





V 















%> ^ 






4? >' 






n . . * 






4* 

o > 






























o 





















o > 






.'V 



<\ 



.\ s 






C • 






























C\ 






o V 












\N 
























A > 



























*h 


















V- 






o 



v/* b 






Jl* 






•• 






^ 






o 









-■ 






, ' 















G 



\P b 












\ 









<£°* 






jvb 



**0* 






o 



•_P b 






<^. CL^ 



"** A 


















\\ -<* 






, '■ 



A v 

CT 



A 






,* 



' 'V' , 



4 o* 
.cr 









•oK 



** < 



<*\ * . . ^ ^ 






' ^ ^ ^ 

V 









vN 



°^' 



\ 

^ Go 



;■ 






**v 












■ CT c°" c , ^O 



b v/ 

A G 






. 



^ ^ 

^•^ v 



v v 



o ,0 . s * ' - 

To ^ b^ 






<-0 ^°" c ' ^o 







^ 

^ 









w* 




<f~^7& ^ Jb^^ 



PARTIAL GENEALOGY 



OF THE 



diet* anb ^ampole 
^families 

OF PENNSYLVANIA 



BY 



EDWIN JAQUETT SELLERS 




$rmteD for $ritoate Circulation 

BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA 
1903 



; 



Edition of one hundred and 
fifty copies 



P 



$HUrs 



I. 1. Philip Henry Sellers was born in 1704, at Wein- 
heim, Germany. This date is obtained from the records 
of Indian Creek Church, Franconia township, Montgomery 
County, Pennsylvania, where it is stated he died in 1769, 
aged sixty-five years. Weinheim, a small town lying at the 
union of the valleys of Gorxheim and Birkman, is the most 
important town on the Bergstrasse; it is situate ten and a 
half miles from Manheim. Philip Henry spelled his sur- 
name Soller, but, for uniformity, the present spelling will be 
adopted, unless the name be otherwise spelled in quotations. 
The arrival of Philip Henry in Pennsylvania is recorded in 
" Colonial Records of Pennsylvania," Vol. Ill, page 332, and 
" Immigrants in Pennsylvania," by I. Daniel Rupp, page 13, 
as follows : 

" Sep. 11, 1728. A number of Palatines, with their fam- 
ilies, about ninety, imported in the ship 'James Goodwill,' 
David Crockat, Master, from Rotterdam, last from ™)eal, 
whence she sailed June 15th." 

The name of " Philip Henrich Soller" appears in the list. 
The same reference appears in " Pennsylvania Archives," 
Second Series, Vol. XVH, page 15. 

Philip Henry Sellers was married before coming here. 
The surname of his wife has not been ascertained, although 
her Christian name was Catharina. Several of their children 
were also born in Germany. 

Colonial Records, Vol. HI, page 282 : 

" At a Council held at the Courtho. of Philada., Sep- 
temr. 21st, 1727 — 

5 



6 sKLLERS 

Present : 

The Honble Patrick Gordon, Esqr., Lieut. Governour. 
James Logan, William Fishbourn, -\ 

Richard Hill, Clement Plumstead, vEsq'rs. 

Isaac Norris, ) 

The Governour acquainted the Board, that lie had called 
them together at this time to inform them that there is 
lately arrived from Holland, a ship with four hundred Pala- 
tines, as 'tis said, and that he has information they will be 
very soon followed by a much greater number, who design 
to settle in the back parts of this Province ; and as they 
transport themselves without any leave obtained from the 
Crown of Great Britain, and settle themselves upon the 
Proprietor's untaken-up lands without any application to 
the Proprietor or his Commissioners of Property, or to the 
Government in general, it would be highly necessary to 
concert proper measures for the peace and security of the 
Province, which may be endangered by such numbers of 
strangers daily poured in, who being ignorant of our lan- 
guage and laws, and settling in a body together, make, as it 
were, a distinct people from his Majestie's subjects. 

The Board taking the same into their serious considera- 
tion, observe, that as these people pretended at first that 
they fly hither on the score of their religious liberties, and 
comtL under the protection of His Majesty, it is requisite 
that in the first place they should take the Oath of Alle- 
giance, or some equivalent to it to His Majesty, and promise 
fidelity to the Proprietor and obedience to our established 
Constitution ; And, therefore, until some proper remedy 
can be had from Home, to prevent the importation of such 
numbers of strangers into this or others of His Majesties 
Colonies. 

"Tis Ordered, that the Masters of the Vessels importing 
them shall be examined whether they have any leave granted 
them by the Court of Britain for the importation of these 
foreigners, and that a list shall be taken of the names of 



SELLERS 7 

all these people, their several occupations, and the places 
from whence they come, and shall be further examined 
touching their intentions in coming hither ; and further, 
that a Writing be drawn up for them to sign declaring their 
allegiance and subjection to the King of Great Britain and 
fidelity to the Proprietary of this Province, and that they 
will demean themselves peaceably towards all His Majesties 
subjects, and strictly observe, and conform to the Laws of 
England and of this Government." 

Ibid., page 288. 

"At a Council held at the Courtho. of Philada., Sep- 
temr. 21st, 1727 — 

Present : 

The Honble Patrick Gordon, Esqr., Lieut. Governour. 

James Logan, William Fishbourn, Richard Hill, Esq'rs. 

A paper being drawn up to be signed by those Palatines, 
who should come into this Province with an intention to 
settle therein, pursuant to the Order of this Board, was 
this day presented, read and approved, and is in these 
words : 

We subscribers, natives and late inhabitants of the Pa- 
latinate upon the Rhine and places adjacent, having trans- 
ported ourselves and families into this Province of Pensil- 
vania, a colony subject to the Crown of Great Britain, in 
hopes and expectation of finding a retreat and peaceable 
settlement therein, do solemnly promise and engage, that we 
will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His present 
Majesty King George the Second, and his successors Kings 
of Great Britain, and will be faithful to the Proprietor of this 
Province ; and that we will demean ourselves peaceably to 
all His said Majesties subjects, and strictly observe and 
conform to the Laws of England and of this Province, to the 
utmost of our power and best of our understanding." 

Ibid., page 332 : 

"At a Council held in the Courtho. of Philada., Sep. 11, 
1728— 



8 SELLERS 

Present : 

The Hon. Patrick Gordon, Esq., Lieut. Gov., Thomas 
Lawrence Esq., with others of the City Magistrates. 

A list was presented of the names of forty two Palatines, 
who with their families, making in all about ninety per- 
sons, were imported here in the ship ' James Goodwill,' 
David Crockat, Master, from Rotterdam, but last from 
Deal, as by Clearance from the officers of the Customs 
there, bearing date the fifteenth day of June, 1728. It ap- 
peared there was no special license granted for their trans- 
portation : they were then called in, and having declared 
that they were come hither with intention to settle & 
live peaceably in this Province, the several persons whose 
names are subjoined, did repeat and sign the Declaration 
inserted in the Minute of the 21st of September last." 

The name of " Philip Hendrick Seller" appears in the 
list. (See « Colonial Records," Vol. II, page 493.) 

Philip Henry Sellers, after spending a short while at 
Philadelphia and Skippack, purchased a tract on the North 
Branch of the Perkionien. The deed is recorded at 
Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in Liber No. 9, 
page 1. It is dated Aug. 24, 1735. The grantors were 
Peter Snyder, of Bucks County, yeoman, and Catharine, 
his wife. The land conveyed was situate in Bucks afore- 
said, " Beginning at a post at a corner of Abraham James' 
land, thence extending by land of James Robeson south- 
west one hundred and twenty-eight perches to a post 
thence by the lands of Henry Walmsley and "William 
Briggs Northwest two hundred and fifty-two perches to a 
post thence by a line of marked trees Northeast one hun- 
dred and fifty perches to a marked black oak sapling 
thence by a line of marked trees South east South east sixty- 
seven perches to a stone on the North side of the North 
Branch of Perkionien Creek thence down the same branch 
to a marked hickory thence crossing the ereek Southeast 
eight perches to a hickory marked at a corner of the said 



SELLERS 9 

Abraham James' land thence by the same land South east 
one hundred and sixty perches to the place of beginning." 
Containing two hundred acres. 

This land is further referred to in Liber No. 30, page 
250, recorded at the same place, wherein it appears that 
April 30, 1782, Henry Sellers, of Rockhill township, Bucks 
County, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth, his wife, convey to 
Samuel Detweiler, of the same place, one hundred and 
thirty-three acres and seventy perches, being part of the 
tract conveyed to Philip Henry Sellers by Peter Snyder re- 
ferred to in the former conveyance. Philip Henry, by his 
will dated April 27, 1766, appointed his son John Sellers 
and Henry Berkey Executors, with power to sell the real 
estate. The executors, by deed dated June 11, 1771, con- 
veyed the foregoing two hundred acres to Abraham Stout, 
who, June 30, 1771, conveyed the same to Henry Berkey, 
who, March 24, 1772, conveyed one hundred and three 
acres one hundred and twenty perches thereof unto the 
said Henry Sellers, and, by another deed dated November 
20, 1772, the said Berkey conveyed thirty acres and fifty 
perches additional to the said Henry Sellers. 

Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. II, page 347 : 

" Persons naturalized in Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania, j 
Secretary's office, j 

In pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in the thir- 
teenth year of the Reign of his present Majesty King 
George the Second, entitled An Act for naturalizing such 
foreign Protestants, and others therein mentioned, as are 
settled or shall settle in any of his Majesty's colonies in 
America. 

At a Supreme Court held at Philadelphia for the Prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania, Before Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas 
Graeme and Thomas Griffiths, Esqrs., Judges of the said 
Court, the 25th, 26th & 27th days of September, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty, 



10 SELLERS 

between the hours of nine and twelve of the clock in the 
forenoon of the same clays, the following persons, being 
foreigners and having inhabited and resided the space ot 
seven years and upwards in his Majesty's Colonies in 
America, and not having been absent out of some of the 
said colonies for a longer space than two months, at any 
one time, during the said seven years, and having produced 
to the said Court certificates of their having taken the Sac- 
rament of the Lord's Supper in some Protestant or Re- 
formed Congregation in this Province within three months 
before the said Court, took and subscribed the oaths, and 
did make and repeat the declaration prescribed by the said 
act to entitle them to the benefit thereof and thereby be- 
came natural born subjects of Great Britain, as the same 
is certified into this office by the Judges of the said 
Court, viz : 

r> , r\e 1 i. i Time of taking 

Persmi s names. Of what place. ., 

1 the sacrament. 

(Page 348) Philip Henrich Seller. Bucks Co. Sep. 22, 1740.'' 

Philip Henry Sellers died in 1769, aged sixty-five years, 
and is buried in the graveyard of Indian Creek Church, 
Franconia, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (See records of 
church and tombstone.) He was survived by his wife, 
who appears to have died in 1773, her will having been 
probated that year. It is assumed she was buried at the 
same place, although no tombstone appears. The will of 
Philip Henry Sellers is on file at Philadelphia and is re- 
corded in Liber 0, folio 398. It is dated April 27, 1766, 
and was probated July 28, 1769. He is styled as "Philip 
Henr} T Seller of Rockhill township Yeoman in the County of 
Bucks and Province of Pennsylvania," although he signs it 
as "Philip Henrich Soller." He bequeaths certain money 
due him by his son John to his wife Catharina and also an 
additional sum from the sale of his real and personal estate, 
which he orders to be sold. He orders the residue of his 
estate to be equally divided among his ten children, to wit, 



SELLERS 11 

Philip, whom he describes as his eldest son, Leonard, Henry, 
John, Paul, Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth, wife of Henry Burggy, 
Magdalena, wife of Henry Brunner, and Margaret. He 
appoints his son John and his son-in-law Henry Burggy 
executors. The witnesses were Andreas Rieth, Samuel 
Detweiler, and Abraham Stout. 

The will of Catharina, widow of Philip Henry Sellers, is 
also on file at Philadelphia and is recorded in Liber P, folio 
414. It is dated February 5, 1770, and was probated May 
26, 1773. She is styled as « Catharina Seller of the Town- 
ship of Rockhill in the County of Bucks and Province of 
Pennsylvania, widow ;" she also signs as " Catharina Sel- 
ler." She bequeaths her real and personal estate to her 
children equally, all of whom she mentions, and agreeing 
with those mentioned in her husband's will. She also 
mentions " the children" of her daughter Elizabeth, but 
does not name them, to whom she bequeaths her property 
equally with her children. She appoints her son " Philip 
Seller" executor. The witnesses were Johannes Behner 
and Abraham Stout. 

Philip Henry Sellers and Catharina, his wife, had issue : 

2. Philip. 

3. Leonard, of Hilltown township, Bucks Co., Pa., d. 

Aug. 24, 1805. (Records of Indian Creek Ch.) 

4. Philip Henry, of same place, b. 1730 ; d. Mar. 25, 

1783. (Bud.) 

5. John, of same place, b. 1732; d. Jan. 7, 1783. 

(Ibid.) 

6. Paul, settled in Maryland. 

7. Peter, of Hilltown township, b. 1736 ; d. Feb. 17, 

1820. (Ibid.) 
— 8. Jacob, settled in Juniata, formerly Miffiin Co., Pa. 
9. Elizabeth, m. Henry Burggy. (This may not be 
the proper spelling.) 

10. Magdalena, m. Henry Brunner. 

11. Margaret. 



12 SELLERS 

II. 2. Philip Sellers, eldest son of Philip Henry Sellers 
(1) and hie wife Catharina, was born at Weinheim, Germany, 
in 1724, and came to America with his father in 1728. He 
settled in Saucon township, Northampton County, Pennsyl- 
vania. The surname of his wife is unknown, although her 
Christian name was Barbara. 

Deeds recorded at Easton, Pennsylvania: 

Liber B, Vol. 1, page 37. Apr. 3, 1765. William Allen, 
of Phila., Esquire, to Phillip Seller, of Upper Saucon town- 
ship, Northampton Co., Pa., Farmer. Conveyance of land 
in Upper Saucon township, beginning at a hickory and ex- 
tending thence West thirty chains to a post thence South 
twenty-five chains to a white oak thence East thirty chains 
to an elder and thence North twenty-five chains to the place 
of beginning, Containing seventy-five acres, being bounded 
by the lands of Christian Diepe, Jacob Bechtel, Abraham 
Bachman, John Bachman, Henry Bronfeltj and George 
Clements. Said piece of land was part of a larger tract 
surveyed to the said William Allen in right of his purchase 
of ten thousand acres from William Penn the Younger. 

Liber F, Vol. 3, page 213. July 2, 1765. Henry Brnn- 
ner, of Upper Saucon township, Northampton County, Pa., 
yeoman, and Mary Magdalena, his wife, to Philip Seller, of 
same place, yeoman. Conveyance of two tracts of land in 
said township, one of them beginning at a post thence by 
land of one Poydleman South fifty-eight perches to a stone 
thence by manor land East fifty-four perches to a stone in a 
line of Peter Korlye's land thence by the same North thirty- 
one perches to a stone and East one hundred and eight 
perches to a stone thence by land of George Bechtel North 
twenty-one perches to a post a corner of George Marsteller's 
and thence North eighty-eight degrees West one hun- 
dred and sixty-two perches to the place of beginning, Con- 
taining thirty-two acres and one hundred and twenty-six 
perches. 

The other lot beginning at an elder tree for a corner 



SELLERS 13 

of land late of Jacob Bachman thence extending by the 
same North one hundred and twelve perches to a hickory 
tree thence by land of John George Bachman East ten 
perches to a post in -a line of Christian Bachman's land 
thence by the same the four following courses and dis- 
tances, viz. : South fifty-two perches to a maple North 
eighty-seven degrees East seventeen perches to a hickory 
South fifteen degrees West twenty-eight perches to a stone 
and South three degrees West thirty-three perches to a stone 
in a line of George BechtePs land thence by the same West 
eight perches to the -place of beginning, containing seven 
acres. 

Liber B, Vol. 3, page 404. June 2, 1794. Philip Seller, 
of Upper Saucon township, Northampton Co., Pa., yeoman, 
and Barbara, his wife, to George Holtzshuh, of Penn town- 
ship of same County. Conveyance of land in Penn town- 
ship, beginning at a white oak sapling thence by land now 
or late vacant South twenty-four degrees East seventy 
perches to a stone South sixty-eight degrees West one hun- 
dred and ninety-eight perches to a stone North fifty-one 
degrees West one hundred and twenty-four perches to a 
stone North fifty-seven degrees East one hundred and 
eighteen perches to a stone and East one hundred and fifty- 
two perches to place of beginning, containing one hundred 
and forty-two acres and thirty-two perches. Being the same 
land which James Funston and Lucie, his wife, and John 
Funston and Mary, his wife, by their joint deed dated June 
10, 1788, conveyed to Philip Seller in fee. 

He died October 6, 1808, aged eighty-four years, accord- 
ing to the records of Indian Creek Church, consequently he 
was born in 1724. He is said to have been buried in the 
church-yard of the same church, and also several of his 
children. 

The records at Easton, Pennsylvania, record that letters 
of administration were granted upon the estate of Philip 
Sellers, October 17, 1808, to Philip Sellers and John Gei- 



14 SELLERS 

singer, Jr., the sureties being Jacob Hartzell and Philip 
Newcomer, all of Upper Saucon township, the widow, Bar- 
bara Sellers, having tiled renunciation October 15, 1808. 

There was a proceeding in partition of the real estate of 
Philip Sellers which is recorded in the Orphans' Court at 
Easton in Liber VIII, folio 204. At a Court held Novem- 
ber 21, 1809, the petition was presented of Philip " Seller," 
third son of Philip " Seller," late of Upper Saucon town- 
ship, Northampton (now Lehigh) County, yeoman, deceased, 
setting forth that the petitioner's father died intestate leav- 
ing a widow, Barbara, and issue, the petitioner, John, 
George, Abraham, David, Jacob, William, Isaac, Catharine, 
wife of Abraham Darstone, Elizabeth, wife of John Brun- 
ner, since deceased, leaving issue Margaret, wife of John 
Brunner, Polly, widow of Henry Rohr, Eve, wife of 
Philip Hittle, Susanna, and Hannah, wife of John Gei- 
singer ; that said intestate left three tracts of land, situate in 
Upper Saucon township, one containing thirty acres and one 
hundred and twenty-six perches, another containing seven 
acres, and the third containing seventy-five acres. The 
Court ordered an inquest, which was returned December 
16, 1809 (see Liber VHI, folio 229), finding the land in- 
capable of division without prejudice, whereupon the Court 
ordered that as John Sellers and George Sellers, two ot 
the eldest heirs, lived in North Carolina, notice of the pro- 
ceedings should be advertised in the Aurora and the North- 
ampton, according to law. Subsequently (Liber VIII, folio 
246), the Court ordered that, as notice had been published, 
the valuation fixed by the inquest should be approved, and, 
as none of the other heirs appeared, Philip " Seller," son 
of said intestate, appearing and being willing to take the 
real estate at the valuation fixed by the inquest, the Court 
so ordered, subject to the payment of the dividends of the 
other heirs. 

The subsequent conveyance of part of this land is recorded 
at Easton in Liber G, Vol. 3, folio 380. The deed was 



SELLERS 15 

dated June 10, 1811, and recites a conveyance by Philip 
" Seller," of Upper Saucon township, and Susanna, his wife, 
to Jacob Arnold, of the same place. 

As it has not been ascertained whether Philip Sellers 
married more than once, it is presumed that his wife Bar- 
bara was the mother of the following issue : 

12. John, settled in North Carolina. 

13. George, settled in North Carolina. 

14. Philip. 

15. Abraham. 

16. David. 

17. Jacob. 

18. William. 

19. Isaac. 

20. Catharine, in. Abraham Darstone. 

21. Elizabeth, m. John Brunner. Issue : 

21 a . Margaret, m. John Brunner. 

22. Polly, m. Henry Rohr, Jan. 1, 1797. (Pres. Ch., 

Abington, Pa. ; Pa. Ar., 2d Ser., Vol. 9, p. 
369). 

23. Eve, m. Philip Hittle. 

24. Susanna. 

25. Hannah, m. John Geisinger. 

IH. 16. David Sellers, son of Philip Sellers (2) and, 
presumably, Barbara, his wife, was apparently the fourth 
child, as that was the order given in the petition of 
Philip Sellers previously referred to. It has not been ascer- 
tained whether he was born in Bucks County or North- 
ampton. Neither has the date of his birth been found, 
although approximation suggests circa 1751. He married 
Sarah Root. The record of the marriage has not been 
found, the information having been received from their son 
Samuel, hereafter mentioned. The following deeds are re- 
corded at Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania: 

Liber 31, page 248. Indenture dated November 14, 1800, 



16 SELLERS 

between David Seller, of Rockhill township, Bucks Co., Pa., 
Tanner (Farmer ?), and Sarah, his wife, grantors, to Philip 
Seller, of Upper Saucon township, Northampton Co., Pa., 
yeoman, 18 acres in Rockhill township ; part of 97 acres and 
90 perches conveyed by Bernard Broad and Magdalena his 
wife to the said David Seller, June 25, 1797, which con- 
veyance is recorded in Liber 29, page 373. 

Liber 34, page 522. Indenture dated March 26, 1802, 
between David Seller, of Toamensing township, Mont- 
gomery Co., Pa., yeoman, and Sarah, his wife, grantors, 
and Isaac Slighter, of Hatfield township, and Joel Lukens, 
of Toamensing aforesaid, grantees. Conveyance of house 
and 38 acres and 154 perches, situate in Rockhill township, 
Bucks Co. ; part of 103 acres and 6Q perches which Ber- 
nard Broad, and Magdalena, his wife, by deed dated June 
24 (25 ?), 1797, conveyed to David Seller, which conveyance 
is recorded in Liber 29, page 373. 

As letters of administration were granted upon the estate 
of David Sellers November 8, 1821, it is assumed he died 
shortly before that date. His wife survived him. The 
place of their burial has not been located. The following 
references are recorded at Lancaster, Pennsylvania : 

Register's office, Bond Book A, Vol. 1, page 72. Letters 
of admn. were granted upon the Estate of David Sellers, 
dec'd., Nov. 8, 1821, Christian Frick, of Manheim town- 
ship, and Christian Eby, of Elizabeth township, being apptd. 
administrators. 

Bond Book B, Vol. 1, page 85. Letters of Admn. were 
granted upon the estate of Sarah Sellers, dec'd., October 23, 
1823, to Christian Frick and John Blocher. 

Orphans' Court, Lane. Co., Pa. Record Book 1816-1822, 
page 690. Petition of Christian Frick and Christian Eby, 
Administrators of David Sellers, late of Elizabeth township, 
Lancaster Co., dec'd, praying for an order to sell certain 
real estate of decedent situate in Elizabeth, Lexington, and 
Warwick townships and also stating that the decedent left 



SELLERS 17 

issue fourteen children, to wit, Absalom, Solomon, Isaac, 
Jesse, Samuel, Curtis, David, Joseph, Reuben, Mary, 
Abigail, Sarah, Hannah and Nancy; that the said Mary 
married Christian Frick, and that the said Jesse, Samuel, 
Curtis, David, Joseph, Reuben, Sarah, Hannah, and Nancy 
were in their minority. This petition was allowed. 

In Record Book, 1822-1825, page 48, pursuant to the 
previous order, the administrators made return of sale June 
8, 1822, to Samuel Miller and Jacob Eitinger. 

David Sellers and Sarah, his wife, left issue : 

26. Absalom, b. Nov. 1, 1794; bap. June 18, 1795. 

(Indian Creek Ch. Rec.) 

27. Solomon, b. Dec. 29, 1795; bap. Apr. 3, 1796. 

(Indian Creek Ch. Rec.) Settled in Lancaster 
Co., Pa. 

28. Isaac. 

29. Jesse. 

30. Samuel. 

31. Curtis. 

32. David. 

33. Joseph. 

34. Reuben, settled in Ohio. 

35. Mary, m. Christian Frick. Issue : 

35 a . Nancy. 

36. Abigail (Eleanor ?). 

37. Sarah. 

38. Hannah, settled in Ohio. 

39. Anna (Nancy). 

IV. 30. Samuel Sellers, fifth son of David Sellers (16) 
and Sarah Root, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 
November 2, 1802. He was married at the Arch Street 
Presbyterian Church, West of Tenth Street, Philadelphia, 
May 29, 1832, by the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, to Barbara 
Ann, daughter of John "Wampole and Sarah Ann Sailer. 
He is mentioned as the fifth son according to the arrauge- 

2 



18 SELLERS 

ment in the petition of the administrators of the estate of 
his father, previously mentioned. His early life was spent 
in farming ; subsequently he became a builder, and later a 
grocer. He resided at Philadelphia. He was a member 
of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Spring 
Garden, Philadelphia. The following conveyances are re- 
corded at Philadelphia: 

Liber A. M., No. 46, folio 255 : 

Mar. 9, 1834. Jacob Colver of Allentown, Lehigh Co., 
Pa., and wife to Samuel Sellers of the District of Spring 
Garden, Penn township, Phila. Premises situate in said 
District on South side of Callowhill West of Thirteenth. 

Liber G. S., No. 16, folio 481 : 

Sep. 15, 1836. Edward G. Howell, of Penn township, 
Phila., Physician, to same. Premises N. side of Ritten- 
house St., W. of Schuylkill Fifth. 

Liber G. S., No. 22, folio 243 : 

July 11, 1840. Jacob Otto Enreig, of Phila., to same. 
Prem. S. side of Locust W. of Schuylkill Sixth. 

Liber G. S., No. 17, folio 294: 

Aug. 10, 1840. Elizabeth F. Roberts, of Phila., to same. 
Assignment of ground rent. Prem. N. side of Rittenhouse 
W. of Schuylkill Sixth. 

Liber G. S., No. 28, folio 640 : 

July 7, 1841. George Cadwalader, of Phila., and wife 
to same. Prem. S. side of Callowhill W. of 13 th . 

Liber A. W. M., No. 60, folio 306 : 

Feb. 16, 1848. Articles of Agreement between Samuel 
Sellers, of the District of Spring Garden, Phila., and Sarah 
Sellers (late Hoopes) wife of Samuel Sellers, by which 
Samuel Sellers covenants to convey to Daniel Wright or 
such other person as his wife may appoint all his interest in 
the estate of James Hoopes, dec'd., former husband of said 
Sarah Sellers, in trust for her separate use and at her death 
to vest in Theodore and John Hoopes, children of said 
Sarah. 



SELLERS 19 

Liber A. W. M., No. 59, folio 257: 

Feb. 16, 1848. Samuel Sellers and wife to Daniel Wright 
in pursuance of former agreement. 

Liber A. W. M., No. 60, folio 300 : 

Feb. 16, 1848. Same to Aaron H. Burtis, of Phila, 
Prem. S. side of Callowhill "W. from 13 th St. also in pur- 
suance of former agreement. 

Liber T. H., No.^19, folio 232 : 

Mar. 27, 1852. Aaron Burtis, of Phila., & wife to Samue 
Sellers, of Dist. Spring Garden. Prem. N. E. Cor. Coats & 

n* st. 

Liber T. H., No. 169, folio 219 : 

June 21, 1854. Sarah Ann Sellers (late Sarah Ann 
Hoopes) Admx., and Ezekiel Jackson, admr. of Est. of 
James Hoopes, late of Dist. of Spring Garden, dec'd., to 
Chas. H. Muirhead, of Phila., Conveyancer. Conveyance 
of land of James Hoopes, dec'd. 

Liber R. D. W., No. 137, folio 193 : 

Apr. 21, 1857. Theodore Hoopes and John Hoopes, only 
surviving children and heirs of James Hoopes, dec'd., Elisha 
P. Graham, Trustee, and Sarah Ann Sellers. In re prop- 
erty of James Hoopes, dec'd. 

Liber R. D. W., No. 128, folio 231 : 

April 24, 1857. Theodore Hoopes, of Phila., and John 
Hoopes, late of Phila., now of Downingtown, Chester Co., 
Pa., to Rev. "William P. Hinds, of Phila. Conveyance of 
land of James Hoopes, dec'd., their father. 

Liber R. D. W., No. 128, folio 236 : 

Apr. 28, 1857. Elisha P. Graham, Trustee, to Sarah 
Ann Sellers, wife of Samuel Sellers, and Rev. Wm. P. 
Hinds. 

Liber A. D. B., No. 50, folio 81 : 

Dec. 2, 1858. Ibid. 

Liber A. D. B., No. 69, folio 509 : 

June 23, 1859. Samuel Sellers, of Phila., Coal Mer- 
chant, of 1st part, Aaron H. Burtis, of 2nd part, and Levi 



20 SELLERS 

Sellers of 3 rd part. Substitution of latter for Burtis as 
Trustee. 

Liber A. D. B., No. 100, folio 408 : 

In re Hoopes' property. 

Liber L. R. B., No. 92, folio 397 : 

Apr. 7, 1865. Levi Sellers, Trustee, 1st part, Samuel 
Sellers, 2nd part, to Martin Ulrich. Prein. S. side of Cal- 
lowhill W. of 13 th . 

Liber J. A. H., No. 257, folio 5 : 

May 29, 1872. Same to Joseph Harrison, Jr. 

Barbara Ann, wife of Samuel Sellers, was born in Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1810, and died June 
17, 1841. Samuel Sellers, died July 13, 1880. He and his 
wife are both buried at Monument Cemetery, Philadelphia. 
The second wife of Samuel Sellers was Sarah Ann, widow 
of James Hoopes. 

Samuel Sellers and his first wife had issue : 

40. David Wampole. 

41. Samuel, d. Jan. 21, 1836, aged 1 yr. 6 mos. 29 

dys. ; bur. at Monument Cemetery, Phila. 

42. John R., d. May 4, 1838, aged 1 yr. 4 mos. 26 

dys ; bur. at same place. 

43. Edwin Elias. 

44. Sarah Ann, d. Apr. 14, 1839, aged 5 mos. 11 

dys. ; bur. at same place. 

V. 40. David Wampole Sellers, son of Samuel Sellers 
(30) and Barbara Ann Wampole, was born at Philadel- 
phia, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1833. Upon completing his 
education at the High School of said city, he was regis- 
tered as a student at law under the preceptorship of the 
late Hon. John Cadwalader, and was admitted to the Phila- 
delphia Bar upon his twenty-first birthday, May 11, 1854, 
In 1857 T. & J. W. Johnson & Co., of Philadelphia, pub- 
lished " A Practical Treatise on the Law of Carriers of 
Goods and Passengers by Land, Inland Navigation, and in 



SELLERS 21 

Ships. With an Appendix of Statutes and Forms of Plead- 
ings. By Tompson Chitty, Esq., and Leofric Temple, 
Esq., Barristers-at-Law. With notes and references to the 
American decisions by David W. Sellers." January 5, 
1858, he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Penn- 
sylvania. 

May 13, 1858, he was appointed Assistant City Solicitor 
of the City of Philadelphia by Henry T. King, Esq., and 
continued in that position under the administrations of 
Charles E. Lex, Esq., and F. Carroll Brewster, Esq., until 
January 1, 1866. January 8, 1865, he was admitted to the 
Supreme Court of the United States to argue the case of 
Gilman v. Philadelphia, 3 Wallace, 713. 

July 22, 1858, he was married at St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, by the Rev. William H. 
Odenheimer, D.D., to Anna Frances, daughter of Rev. 
Joseph Jaquett and Elizabeth Stretcher. She was born at 
Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1838. 

August 3, 1861, he was commissioned by Governor An- 
drew G. Curtin " Judge Advocate," with rank of " Major," 
having been appointed by Brigadier-General Augustus 
James Pleasonton, commanding the Home Guard, com- 
posed of the uniformed militia of the city of Philadelphia, 
to serve until the second Monday of October, 1861. 

In 1865 he became counsel of the Union Passenger Rail- 
way Company, the Chestnut and Walnut Passenger Rail- 
way Company, and the Continental Railway Company, and 
continued to represent them after their consolidation as 
the Union Traction Company. 

May 8, 1876, he was appointed by the Board of Judges a 
Commissioner of Fairmount Park. 

On the recommendation of the members of the Philadel- 
phia Bar he was nominated by the Democratic party for 
the office of City Solicitor. He was defeated, however, in 
the election, which occurred February, 1877. The follow- 
ing endorsement appeared in the daily papers : 



22 SELLERS 

« FOR CITY SOLICITOR, DAVID W. SELLERS, ESQ. 

The undersigned, in respectfully recommending the 
nomination of David W. Sellers, Esq., for the office of 
City Solicitor, desire to call attention to the dignity and 
importance of the office. The City Solicitor of Philadel- 
phia holds the same relation to the city as the Attorney- 
General of Pennsylvania to the Commonwealth, and the 
business committed to his care is really more varied and 
extensive than that intrusted to the State official. The 
cases brought in every year to which the city is a party are 
numbered by the hundred, and it is a common thing for 
thousands of dollars to be involved in a single suit; while 
grave questions are constantly arising in respect to the 
powers, duties, and liabilities of the different departments, 
as to which the opinion of the Solicitor must be the guide 
of action. If private persons or corporations had such in- 
terests at stake, they would select the very best professional 
talent they could find, and would insist upon retaining 
counsel of established position. The citizens of Philadel- 
phia should do the same, and, if they wish it, they can have 
the services of a lawyer in the highest walks of the profes- 
sion. The office is one of honorable distinction, and the 
salary and fees afford adequate compensation. 

The public interest requires such a representative, and no 
good reason existing why a candidate of this character 
should not be chosen, in order to secure to the community 
the services of one thoroughly competent, we have felt it 
our duty to unite in recommending the nomination of Mr. 
Sellers. For many years (including the entire term of the 
late Charles E. Lex, Esq.) he was the iirst assistant in the 
office, and there became thoroughly familiar with its duties. 
Since engaging in private practice he has been concerned 
in nearly every important cause coining before the courts, 
to which the city was a party, or in which were involved 
questions arising tinder the peculiar laws of the munici- 



SELLERS 



23 



pality. Li all such matters he is a recognized authority, 
and, without disparagement to others, it may be asserted as 
the common judgment of the profession, that no member 
of this Bar is better qualified to take charge of the Law 
Department of the city. Just at this juncture of affairs 
there seems reason to hope that personal fitness will be 
largely taken into account in the election of local oflicers, 
and in filling this place the public can hardly afford to 
choose by any other standard. If such be the desire, we 
shall have done our duty in calling attention to the candi- 
date we have named. 



George W. Biddle, 
George M. Dallas, 
P. McCall, 
R. C. McMurtrie, 
John C. Bullitt, 
Samuel Dickson, 
E. Greenough Piatt, 
John Samuel, 
Louis C. Massey, 
E. Y. Johnson, 
William D. Wetherill, 
George W. Spiese, 
Edward Olmstead, 
Chapman Biddle, 
George E. Buckley, 
Richard P. White, 
John M. Thomas, 
Henry M. Dechert, 
Thomas J. Diehl, 
J. A. Spencer, 
R. W. Clay, 
E. C. Quin, 
T. J. Barger, 
James Otterson, 



George Junkin, 
C. Ingersoll, 
Arthur M. Burton, 
John F. Keen, 
Lewis Stover, 
H. G. Clay, 
E. Coppee Mitchell, 
Horace F. Weeks, 
Garrett Pendleton, 
John Cadwalader, Jr., 
John Bellangee Cox, 
Albert James, Jr., 
William Lyttleton Savage, 
Thomas Greenbank, 
George W. Morris, 
George Biddle, 
Henry C. Olmstead, 
Myer A. Levi, 
John E. Snare, 
Samuel F. Babcock, 
Robert D. Maxwell, 
A. H. Moon, 
James Parsons, 
William Morris, 



24 



SELLERS 



Stephen L. Remak, 
John S. Powell, 
George Bull, 
George W. Thorn, 
Charles Myers, 
William A. Husband, 
William H. Staake, 
Pierce Archer, Jr., 
Isaac S. Sharpe, 
S. II. Alleman, 
J. V. Peterson, 
John T. Spencer, 
Theodore McFadden, 
William McGeorge, Jr., 
Robert H. McGrath, 
Nathan H. Sharpless, 
J. Jos. Murphy, 
W. Hey ward Drayton, 
J. D. Bennett, 
Daniel Dougherty, 
John M. Campbell, 
James H. Shakespeare, 
Thos. Greenbank, 
J. H. Heverin, 
Inman Horner, 
John F. Belsterling, 
Geo. W. Wollaston, 
Charles H. Gross, 
M. J. Byrne, 
James A. Conner, 
John A. Brown, 
A. A. Hirst, 
Chas. H. Krumbhaar. 
Wm. S. Fries, 



George Harrison Fisher, 
Charles Henry Jones, 
George Sergeant, 
Samuel Robb, 
A. J. Montgomery, 
Ernest Zantzinger, 
A. Sydney Biddle, 
John J. Wilkinson, 
T. B. Stork, 
Jacob E. Bowers, 
MacGregor J. Mitcheeon, 
Clarence Deringer, 
Robert Palethorp, 
Wm. Rudolph Smith, 
Edward H. Weil, 
George H. Earle, 
Isaac Gerhart, 
M. Arnold, 
Joseph A. Clay, 
Charles S. Keyser. 
George Northrop, 
Joseph I. Doran, 
A. V. Zane, 
W. Henry Sutton, 
William Vogdes, 
John M. Arundel, 
Rich. H. Winship, 
Walter J. Budd, 
J. H. Wheeler, 
G. Morgan Eldridge, 
J. Rich. Grier, 
John Dolman, 
C. F. ErickBon." 



SELLERS 25 

At a meeting of the Park Commission held June 27, 
1877, Mr. Sellers was chosen to receive the Catholic Total 
Abstinence Union Centennial Fountain, now erected in 
Fairmount Park. The ceremonies took place July 4, 1877. 
The following were the remarks of Mr. Sellers upon re- 
ceiving the Fountain : 

" I have been appointed, on behalf of the Commission of 
Fairmount Park, to accept the gift of this Fountain. It is 
truly a grand sculpture, and will remain on these grounds 
contributing its part through all time to the pleasure of the 
people. The existence of the church to whom the presenting 
societies look for guidance is attested throughout Christen- 
dom by abundant trophies of the most elevated taste. Her 
teachings have had and have all of the arts for their hand- 
maids. Architecture and sculpture have found in her a 
generous and discriminating patron. Our people may well 
feel special honor that from her store her followers have 
given this masterpiece. It will forever suggest by its silent 
voice lessons in favor of self-restraint, of devotion to human 
government, and of veneration for those who love to serve 
their countrymen. Well -governed, self-sacrificing philan- 
thropy and pure patriotism will in this have an immortal 
monument. 

In its display it will manifest one of the numerous and 
blessed uses of water, and thus perpetually refer the beholder 
to the overruling Beneficence. How appropriate is the 
place here in Pennsylvania, in whose polity its great founder 
inwrought the principles of civil and religious freedom, 
which have been accepted with increasing earnestness of 
conviction by her people in their successive generations; 
here in Philadelphia, whose colonial plan comprised pleasure 
grounds for the health and recreation of the people ; here 
in this Park, the natural outgrowth of that early municipal 
polity, surrounded by statues to the devotees of universal 
science, of universal emancipation, of equal and well-regu- 
lated liberty, and to the cause of universal religious tolera- 



26 SELLERS 

tion, — how fitting that a great brotherhood, coextensive 
with our Union, should here set this as their impress. 
What fitter place than here for such a sculpture ! The 
monument beheld on entering these grounds speaks of 
malice towards none, and this shall likewise forever speak. 
On this place consecrated to the people, above all distinc- 
tions of race, factions, and faiths, may it forever remain in 
noble companionship. How fitting is the scene on the an- 
niversary of the day which founded on this continent a 
government on a purely secular basis, subordinating equally 
under law institutions as well as persons, and securing to 
the millions who should inhabit our land the rights assured, 
the free and liberal system of Penn and Calvert. 

How appropriately have the societies chosen it to finally 
present their truly commemorative work of the men who 
aided in making successful the great historic declaration of 
1776! 

Permit me to conclude, on behalf of the people and 
with the assurance to the donors, that this gift shall be 
guarded as one of itself most deserving and most worthy 
of this place and of this day." 

December 24, 1879, he was elected solicitor at Philadelphia 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, to take effect as of 
January 1, 1880, which position he retained until his death. 

December 15, 1881, he was elected solicitor of the Phila- 
delphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, 
and of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad 
Company, to take effect as of October 1, 1881, which posi- 
tion he also retained until his death. 

May 11, 1883, his fiftieth birthday, was commemorated by 
a dinner given in his honor by Thomas Hart, Jr., Esq., 
President of the Undine Barge Club, at " Ringstetten-on- 
Sehuylkill," of which Club Mr. Sellers had been a member 
many years. The following poem, by Dr. Thomas Wistar, 
a member, dedicated to Mr. Sellers, was read on this 
occasion : 



SELLERS 27 

"AT FIFTY YEARS. 

I. 

For thee, whose sun had reached high noon 

Ere it was ours thy face to know, 

"We, all unwilling, must forego 
The music of life's morning tune : 

The bounding of thy boyhood's race, 
The triumphs of thy youthful course, 
The gathering of the fuller force 

That marks thy honorable place — 

Of these, and more, we may not sing, 

But only of the larger man 

Who roundly fills the splendid span 
That mind from circumstance can wring. 

In looking backward o'er the main 
Whose fifty years are at an end, 
We hail thee, comrade, brother, friend, 

With mingled gay and grave refrain. 

For not alone on summer seas, 
'Twas thine to sit and fold thy hands, 
And view around thee, pleasant lands, 

And eat and drink and take thine ease : — 

For surely on that sea of life, 

That smiles so fair and calm to-day, 

Rose many a storm in stern array, 
With cruel threat and conflict rife. 

But thou wert one to conquer fate, 

To battle with a fearless hand 

And iron will, and take thy stand 
Now foremost with the good and great ! 



28 SELLERS 

II. 

Ah, life is such : there are who seem 
To flit like moths in fortune's rays, 
And pipe and dance away their days, 

As if existence were a dream. 

Nor half they know the half they miss : 
The bee that wings its weary way, 
With laden thighs from day to day, 

In toil and sweet reward, knows bliss. 

And bliss they know, or young or old, 
Who, deeming life a thing sublime, 
So use the husbandry of time, 

That time returns a hundred-fold. 

No thought is theirs of wasted youth 
To rack the soul, no fruitless tears ; 
But surely in the after years, 

The rich reward of toil and truth. 

'Tis thus upon thy manly brow 

The garlands earned upon thy way, 
Sweet promise of a future day, 

Are turned to victor's laurels now. 

For, come what may, or more or less 
The measure of thy days may be, 
Each life is its own victory, 

When full as thine, of usefulness!" 

August 26, 1885, he was commissioned by Governor 
Robert E. Pattison an aide-de-camp, with rank of lieuten- 
ant-colonel, to serve on the governor's staff, to take effect 
from July 23, 1885; he served throughout his administra- 
tion. 



SELLERS 29 

February 16, 1887, he was elected a vice-provost of the 
Law Academy, and served until his death. 

May 28, 1887, he was appointed general counsel at Phil- 
adelphia of the American Surety Company. 

October 24, 1887, on behalf of the Park Commission, he 
received the " Perm Mansion," in Fairmount Park. 

January 14, 1892, he was elected a member of the Board 
of Managers of the Zoological Society ; he served until his 
death. 

March 14, 1893, he delivered the following address before 
the Committee of Municipal Corporations of the House of 
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in 
opposition to the proposed Act (Senate Bill No. 141), " To 
abolish commissioners of public buildings and to place all 
public buildings under the control of the Department of 
Public Works in cities of the first class." 

" Mr. Chairman, Gentlemen of the Committee : 

It has been my pleasure, back to 1870, to have been 
always very friendly to the Commission, and to have ap- 
proved, in every particular, everything that they have done, 
in substance and in form. When the attempt was made, in 
the present session of the Legislature, to abolish that pub- 
lic tribunal, I then felt, as I now feel, that a great calamity 
was about to be inflicted upon the city of Philadelphia. So 
far as I am concerned, I am willing at any time and in any 
place to bear publicly my testimony to the propriety and the 
prudence of a continuance of the Commission, until the en- 
tire work which the State, by its own legislation, appointed 
them to complete, be entirely and satisfactorily finished. 

That Act of 1870, which was passed by the sovereign 
power of the State, was passed by reason of the palpable 
and public neglect, for nearly half a century, by the local 
authorities in the county of Philadelphia, to provide ade- 
quate accommodation for the administration of public jus- 
tice and adequate accommodation for the public offices of 



30 SELLERS 

the State. It was passed, and the Supreme Court have so 
said, for the purpose of establishing, on behalf of the Com- 
monwealth, a Commission which would be paramount in its 
] lowers to the local authority; and that Court has com- 
manded, iu no uncertain language, that every public officer, 
municipal and county, in the county of Philadelphia, should 
aid that Commission in the execution of the great work 
which had been committed to it. Now, the difficulty that 
you have here in Harrisburg, or in any place, arises because 
of a lack of appreciation of the vastness of the work that 
was committed to that body in 1870. When they selected 
a 8taft' of competent men for the purpose of giving that 
accommodation which was necessary to meet the needs of 
the present and the reasonable increase of such needs in the 
future, it was discovered that a building was necessary which 
Avould include fifteen acres of floor-space and 780 rooms ; 
and for the purpose of acquiring that space and those rooms, 
the plan necessarily, in its inception, was one of very large 
and comprehensive design. The building is now nearly 
completed, and the plan of it shows that, of the space in 
actual occupation by the municipal offices to-day, the Mayor 
of Philadelphia, for his official accommodation, occupies 
3000 square feet; the Director of Public Works, 12,750 
square feet; and the Director of the Department of Public 
Safety, 51,000 square feet of that space. The entire sixth 
floor, representing two acres of floor-space, is in actual occu- 
pation, for the administration of justice, by the Oyer and 
Terminer and Quarter Sessions Courts ; the License Court ; 
the District Attorney and his assistants ; the grand and 
the petit juries, with their sleeping-rooms, with rooms for 
women and rooms for men who may be witnesses for the 
Commonwealth or for defendants. That which, in its incep- 
tion, was a plan of colossal proportions, requiring for the 
execution of its purpose a building larger than that of the 
national Capitol, at Washington, necessitated the erection of 
a costly building. In the early history of the undertaking 



SELLERS 31 

there was wide and general criticism, which was perfectly 
proper, as to the nature of the plan, the character of the 
material, and whether, in some repects, the structure should 
attain to those standards of grandeur which the metropoli- 
tan city of this State was entitled to exhibit, by reason of its 
population and great wealth. Whether it should have been 
in one way or the other, — of white marble or granite or 
brick, of the order of Doric or Gothic or Composite archi- 
tecture, — the facts are, that that plan was then settled, and 
that, under the appropriations of Councils, continuously 
made for nineteen years, the work, in its general plan and 
general execution, has met entire and unanimous approval. 
It may be conceded that, in that Act of 1870, there 
are provisions which may or may not be changed. If it is 
thought that a work which, by the text of the Act and the 
purpose of the Act, was to be continuous from the begin- 
ning to the end, — a work which was not to recognize 
merely the ledger account of one year as compared with 
that of another year, but a work which was to be done 
under contracts which, in some instances, require three, 
four, and five years for their completion, — that which the 
Act provided for as a continuity of work, from the begin- 
ning to the end (and the Commission, therefore, upon a 
fair interpretation of the Act, being authorized to go on 
with the work continuously, and, when they were out of 
funds by reason of a failure of an appropriation, to give a 
certificate, which was nothing but an estimate of the amount 
of work done under contract with them, to be paid for 
when the funds were appropriated to them), — I say that, as 
to that work, if the order of continuity, which arises under 
the Act of 1870 and from the nature of the work, should 
be broken, it is entirely easy for the Legislature to enact 
that all contracts made by this Commission shall be made 
only after appropriations and evenly with the amounts ap- 
propriated. That original Act gave to this Commission the 
right to remove from Independence Square those buildings 



32 SELLERS 

which have been added, from time to time, for the uses of 
the County ; to restore that Square, as nearly as can be, to 
the condition in which it was when the Declaration of In- 
dependence was promulgated, and to preserve the spot as 
the great historical monument of the independence of the 
country. If it is thought by any Legislature, or this Legis- 
lature, that that power should be recalled, then, of course 
(not being necessary to the completion of the work com- 
mitted to the Commission), it can be recalled. 

In the carrying on of that continuous work (as to which 
three Solicitors of the city have given their opinions), the 
Commission was warranted and authorized, in 1870, in the 
beginning, in making a contract for the whole of the work ; 
and this, under the decision in the Struther's case, would 
have been binding beyond all power of impairment or con- 
trol ; and I say that, for the purpose of preserving that 
continuity of work and that continuity of contract and of 
application, the Legislature gave to the Commission the 
power, as vacancies occurred in its membership, to fill those 
vacancies. Of course, if the power thus conferred is 
thought, because of any proper jealousy of power, to be 
excessive, that feature of the law can be easily amended by 
giving the courts of the Commonwealth or the governor 
the power to fill those vacancies. 

There are other questions, however, gentlemen of the 
Legislature, which a great State must, every now and then, 
consider. In a country such as ours there are practically 
only two patrons of the art of architecture, — the State, in 
its public buildings ; the Church, in her edifices. In other 
words, in our country, so far as the art of architecture is 
concerned, the great object-lesson of it must, of course, come 
from those who erect houses for divine worship, and from 
the State, which erects public structures for the administra- 
tion of justice between man and man. In performing a 
great work like the one here, where a building is to be 
erected which is to last for two, three, or four centuries, the 



SELLERS 33 

question is whether standards of the lowest types of economy 
are to prevail as against those higher standards which give 
to a people the highest ideals of the mechanic arts in beauty 
of construction ; and which represent the industrial advance 
of the century in which a great public work is prosecuted. 
This County Hall of Philadelphia is to-day a building which 
will compare with any buildings of a similar description 
throughout the world. Those who have seen them will 
bear witness that in the Parliament Houses in London, in 
the Cathedral at Cologne, in the Madelaine at Paris, in the 
Cathedral at Milan, in the Capitol at Albany, or in the 
Capitol at Washington, there is nothing which, in point of 
artistic beauty and in mechanical execution, surpasses this 
great building which your Commission has had the honor 
to erect in the metropolis of this State. If you should be of 
opinion that the building is too grand or that it is too large, 
how is that of any importance to-day, with respect to the 
legislation of the State? That building, to-day, is com- 
pleted entirely as to plans ; it has been entirely roofed in ; 
all of the internal and external structure of the walls has 
been finished for all time ; every question of ventilation, of 
heating, and of water supply has been determined and 
settled; and there is nothing which legislation, general or 
local, can, as to those things, in any degree change. If 
there were mistakes, they are irrevocable mistakes ; they 
are as fixed as the building itself is fixed ; and the sensible 
problem of the hour is only whether a building which can 
be completed within three or six years, according to the 
supply of the money, shall be completed by the men who 
have been conducting the work upon it from the beginning, 
who have been trained and educated in dealing with the 
difficulties in the labor upon it and in the maintenance 
of it; or whether the entire accumulation of the wisdom 
and the experience of twenty-three years is to be thrown to 
the winds or to be left to a new body of men, which is to 
do what this body is now authorized to do — because the 

3 



34 SELLERS 

bill which is before you, for the abolition of the Commis- 
sion, simply proposes to transfer from an existing Com- 
mission (under which the mayor of Philadelphia, by virtue 
of his office, the presidents of Select and Common Coun- 
cils, by virtue of their offices, and ten other men are per- 
forming this duty) into the hands of one man, a Director 
of Public Works, — an officer of the city of Philadelphia, 
who has now more to do than he can attend to. I say, 
speaking from experience, that when the Gas Works of 
Philadelphia were under separate management; when the 
Water Works of Philadelphia were under separate manage- 
ment ; when the cleansing, the repairing, and the paving of 
the highways were under separate management, the work 
was more to the front, the work was less in arrear, than it 
is now, after putting upon one man and making dependent 
upon his single power, judgment, and will the work which 
had been done by nearly seventy-five men. He has enough 
to do. I say that to transfer this work to him from a 
board the membership of which, in its composition, its 
powers, and its duties, represents the municipality as well as 
the State, is to pursue the path of madness and of infancy 
instead of the path of experience and of manhood. 

The only question to-day is, Shall this building be fin- 
ished and the metropolis of our State be given a completed 
work according to a design that is harmonious in every 
feature of it, so that every Pennsylvanian may feel as much 
at home in Philadelphia as does a man who was born 
there; so that the members of the Bar of this State who 
come from the Eastern District to our Supreme Court shall 
be comfortably accommodated, and be made to feel, when 
they come to that metropolis, that they are in their homes; 
or whether the work is to be turned over to the clans of 
miserable local politics. That is the question, and that is 
the only question. It is folly, in the discussion of a question 
such as this, for men not to look the facts really in the 
face. Do you propose, when you cannot change the plans, 



SELLERS 35 

when you cannot alter them in any particular, to throw this 
thing entirely into confusion for the purpose of giving one 
man the patronage of fifty appointments ? or will you let 
this work go on as it was begun ? Our Supreme Court 
has said, without a dissent, in the decision referred to by Mr. 
Perkins,* that the municipality of Philadelphia has failed 
in the performance of its duty. They directed a peremp- 
tory mandamus to be issued, so that the municipality should 
perform its duty and hasten the completion of that work. 
That is as true to-day as it was ten years ago. The only 
reason why the local authorities have taken the position which 
they have taken is that they do not want this Commission 
to do the work. That is what they said in 1877; that is 
the position which they took in 1870. The exigencies that 
brought this legislation into effect, the exigencies that 
brought the decision of the Supreme Court into appli- 
cation, still exist. The building is incomplete ; the city is 
to-day paying rent, in other places, for the accommodation 
of county officers ; and this building cannot be completed 
because the money is furnished in inadequate portions. 
There may be no proper complaint in regard to the amount 
of money that the county has furnished from time to time. 
I believe in giving to the local authorities the judgment as to 
how much should be expended, because the general taxing- 
power is with them, and the general power of making ap- 
propriations ought to be with them ; but subject to that 
power of the levy of the general taxation, and subject to 
the power of putting aside what they think, in their wisdom, 
can go into this department of the public service, I say that 
the work will be better done for all purposes, by the ex- 
isting Commission, than by any new man or men, no matter 
how eminent, how good, or how strong he or they may 
otherwise be. 

I would like to say one other word and then I will have 
finished my remarks. This building has not progressed, 

* Perkins v. Slack, 86 Pa. 270 (1878). 



36 SELLERS 

like the pyramids in the desert, without producing an)' 
effect upon the surrounding territory; it does not stand 
there, as a great work of architecture, without having done 
any good to the city. In 1870, when the Act was passed, 
and it became, by a vote of the people, an established fact 
that those buildings should go where they are now going, 
the Ninth Ward (an old ward of the city, nearly every por- 
tion of which had been built up at that time) was assessed, 
for the purposes of taxation, at $25,000,000. In 1892 that 
ward, by reason of the attraction to it of the largest buildings 
of our city, is assessed, for the purposes of taxation, at 
$51,000,000. The difference in the value, between 1870 
and 1892, with a tax-rate of $1.85, which is now the tax- 
rate of the city, shows an increase in the annual revenue of 
the city of $385,000 from that ward. In the ward just to 
the north of the Ninth Ward — the Tenth Ward — a ward 
which was also almost as fully built up as was the Ninth 
Ward in 1870, the assessment, for the purposes of taxation, 
was $21,000,000 ; and in 1892 the assessment is $22,000,000. 
So that, while the total valuation of the adjoining ward, the 
Ninth, has gone up to an amount of $26,000,000, that of 
the Tenth Ward has increased, in the same period of twenty- 
two years, only $1,000,000, — showing that the impress of 
this grandeur at the corner of Broad and Market Streets 
has been felt all along through the Ninth Ward; that 
property there has participated in the increase of value, that 
values generally have been elevated, and that there has 
been brought into the public treasury a sum of money suf- 
ficient to far more than pay the interest on a loan for the 
Public Building, if it had been erected upon a loan. The 
Legislature thought, in the inception of the movement, that 
the building should be paid for as the work upon it pro- 
ceeded, and denied the right of the city to issue a loan. 

Therefore I say, let the city of Philadelphia have this 
undertaking completed. In heaven's name, let the city do 
something, and not have everything on paper that is to be 



SELLERS 37 

done in the great future with nothing done at present ; but 
let this work, which has increased the values of public and 
private property in our city and increased its accommoda- 
tions so that it is not ashamed to invite citizens from every 
part of the country to visit us and to stop with us and to 
see a structure that is well worthy of inspection — I say, in 
heaven's name let this work be completed and leave this 
Commission alone. If that course is taken, you will not 
find within a short time, within a year or two, any man 
whose opinion is of value who will not rejoice that the idea 
of a total abolition of this Commission was repudiated by 
the General Assembly of the Commonwealth. (Applause.) 

Mr. Richmond (of Philadelphia). — I would like to ask the 
gentleman one question. Mr. Sellers, I ask whether you 
appear before the Committee to-night as the attorney for 
the Building Commissioners or for any one of the Building 
Commissioners ? 

Mr. Sellers. — I have not the slightest difficulty in answer- 
ing. In my early Masonic life I was called upon to consider 
the work of erecting the Masonic Temple, with which we 
were so busy in the Masonic order. It happened that my 
friend Mr. Perkins, who was the Grand Master, was the chair- 
man of the building committee of that Temple. I remember 
quite well the criticisms in regard to the grandeur of it, and 
all that. I happened to be one of the men who were en- 
tirely in harmony with the idea of having a grand temple 
for the Masonic order in Philadelphia — which we now have. 
"When Mr. Perkins was named by the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania, without his seeking to get the position, as a mem- 
ber of this Commission, I was delighted to feel that, if his 
life was spared, the work would be committed to a man 
who would singly, simply, and resolutely carry out a grand 
plan for our city. I have observed his efforts and, being a 
member of the same profession and having had a friendship 
for him for many years, — considering that this bill is some- 
what of an attack upon him, after his twenty-five years of 



38 SELLERS 

public service, — I feel, as a friend, as a citizen, and as a 
lawyer, that I am ready to go anywhere, not in the spirit of 
an attorney, but because of personal sympathy, to bear my 
testimony to what I consider is his private and public well- 
doing in connection with this work. (Applause.) 

3Ir. North (of McKean). — Mr. Chairman, I would like to 
ask this question. It is generally understood here that the 
press of Philadelphia, almost universally, ask for the dis- 
placement of this Commission. Can the gentleman explain 
whether the newspapers voice the sentiment of the taxpayers 
of Philadelphia or not ? 

Mr. Sellws. — Of course, I cannot answer. The press of 
Philadelphia, lately, has been the guiding-post of the path 
which you ought to avoid. (Merriment.) Whether they 
represent the taxpayers or not is one of those questions 
which are ver}' difficult to determine. I do not believe it. 
I could name to you very large taxpayers in the city of Phil- 
adelphia (who would not, of course, like to have their names 
introduced into this controversy), who, upon the policy of 
the abolition of the Commission, consider that the news- 
papers are wrong. And I think that you will have a me- 
morial to that effect from men of undoubted ability, simply 
upon the policy of abolition. There are, as I have told you, 
many opinions in Philadelphia as to some modifications of 
the powers of the Commission ; that is undoubtedly so ; but 
upon the question which I have come here to speak to par- 
ticularly, I have very great doubts whether the great body 
of the mechanics, who delight to see a fine public improve- 
ment, the great body of the taxpayers of Philadelphia, the 
men who are in control of the large railroad managements 
of our county — I have great doubts whether those men are 
at all represented in what you see in the public prints. But 
I am utterly unable to answer that question fully." 

DpOD the passage- of the Act of May 24, 1893, entitled 
"An Ad to abolish commissioners of public buildings and 



SELLERS 39 

to place all public buildings heretofore under the control of 
such commissioners under the control of the Department of 
Public Works in cities of the first class," the Commissioners 
of the Public Buildings of the city of Philadelphia filed a 
bill in equity in the Supreme Court to restrain the city from 
taking control of the Public Buildings. The bill averred 
that the act violated Section 20, Article 3, of the Constitu- 
tion, forbidding the delegation of any municipal function to 
any special commission ; Section 6, Article 3, of the Con- 
stitution, forbidding the revival or amendment of any act by 
reference to its title only; and Section 8, Article 3, of the 
Constitution, forbidding any local or special bill to be passed 
without thirty days' notice thereof in the locality affected. 
The court granted the preliminary injunction. The case 
was argued by Rufus E. Shapley, Esq., John Gr. Johnson, 
Esq., and David Wampole Sellers, Esq. It is reported in 
156 Pa, Rep., 539 (1893). 

Mr. Sellers had been a Republican in earlier life, but 
subsequently became a Democrat. 

January 3, 1895, he was elected chairman of the con- 
vention to revise the rules of the Democratic party in the 
county of Philadelphia, 

He was for several years president of the Young Men's 
Democratic Association of Philadelphia, 

December 5, 1899, he was elected vice-chancellor of 
the Law Association of Philadelphia, and served until his 
death. 

He was a member of the Lawyers' Club, Rittenhouse 
Club, Clover Club, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution, the 
Legal Club, Law Association of Philadelphia, and the 
Political Economy Club. 

He died December 24, 1901, and was buried at St. Peter's 
Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, December 28, 
1901. The following articles appeared in the Philadelphia 
newspapers : 



40 SELLERS 

(Evening Item, December 24, 1901.) 

" A genuine shock was occasioned in local political and 
legal circles by the announcement, to-day, that David W. 
Sellers had died at his home, 322 South Tenth Street. 
While it was known that his health had been bad for sev- 
eral months and the infirmities incident to advancing years 
were claiming him, his death at this time had not been an- 
ticipated even by his most intimate friends. 

Mr. Sellers was the law partner * of Superior Court Jus- 
tice James Mitchell before the latter went upon the bench. 
He was famous as a corporation lawyer and handled many 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad's most important cases with 
rare acumen and tact. 

He was prominently identified with municipal affairs and 
served as an active and enthusiastic member of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission. In politics he was a Democrat 
and his counsel was eagerly sought by the leaders of that 
party when it was an important factor in Philadelphia, 

Mr. Sellers leaves a son and three f daughters, two of 
whom are married. No announcement as to the funeral 
arrangements has been made as yet," 

{Evening Telegraph, December 24, 1901.) 

" David "W". Sellers, well-known lawyer and president of 
the Fairmount Park Commission, died at 3 o'clock this 
morning at his residence, jSTo. 322 South Tenth Street. 
Mr. Sellers had been in poor health for the past three 
years, and during that time had been confined periodically 
at his home. He suffered from colds and grip, and some 
time ago a complication of diseases set in. Three months 
ago he took to his bed, and he was never able to leave it 
again. He grew weaker every day, and towards the end 
his heart failed him. The members of his family were at 

* They merely had offices together. 

f He left a son and five daughters, three of whom are married. 



SELLERS 41 

his bedside continually, and when death came they were 
prepared for it, 

MR. SELLERS'S PROFESSIONAL CAREER. 

David Wampole Sellers was born in this city in 1833. 
After passing through the grammar schools he entered the 
Central High School, and on being graduated from that 
institution became a law student in the office of the late 
Judge John Cadwalader. In May, 1854, he was admitted 
to the Bar, and for nearly half a century continued in the 
active and successful practice of his profession. At an 
early date in his career at the Bar he became the chief 
assistant in the City Solicitor's office, and served in that 
capacity for eight successive years, under Henry T. King, 
Charles E. Lex, and Frederick Carroll Brewster. Mr. 
Sellers's long connection with the City Solicitor's office so 
familiarized him with the Legislative Acts and Council- 
manic ordinances affecting the city that he became one of 
the most reliable authorities on municipal law at the Phila- 
delphia Bar. His reputation in this connection caused him 
to be frequently retained as counsel in suits against the 
city. In December, 1879, he was appointed by the Board 
of Directors of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company one of 
the local solicitors of that corporation, in succession to 
Chapman Biddle. 

Li January, 1877, Mr. Sellers was made the Democratic 
candidate for City Solicitor, but at the election held in the 
following month he was defeated by W. Nelson West, the 
Republican candidate and then incumbent of the office, by 
a majority of 7548. About the same time Mr. Sellers 
figured prominently before the whole country in connec- 
tion with the disputed Presidential election. He went to 
Florida at the invitation of the Democratic National Com- 
mittee, and made an argument before the Supreme Court 
of that State in behalf of the mandamus to compel the State 
Election Board to proceed with the canvass of the Presi- 



42 SELLERS 

dential vote before the end of the thirty days allowed 
by law. 

In April, 1876, Mr. Sellers was elected by the Board of 
Judges a member of the Park Commission, to fill the 
vacancy in that body caused by the death of Theodore 
Cuyler. He continued to serve on the commission during 
the remainder of his life, being one of the most active and 
influential members of the Board, and on December 8, 
1899, was elected to succeed the late James McManes as 
president of the Commission. For a number of years pre- 
ceding that date Mr. Sellers had been the vice-president of 
the Board. He also served for a long time as chairman 
of the Committee on Land Purchases and Damages, and 
in that capacity was largely instrumental in securing ad- 
ditional land and extending the boundaries of the park 
along Wissahickon Creek, and also in the taking of addi- 
tional land in the West Park up to Roberts Hollow, near 
Chamounix. 

Mr. Sellers married Miss Anna Frances Jaquett, by 
whom he had a family of one son and five daughters." 

(Evening Bulletin, December 24, 1901.) 
" David W. Sellers, one of the most widely known mem- 
bers of the Philadelphia Bar, died early this morning at his 
residence, 322 South Tenth Street. The immediate cause 
of his death was a complication arising from weakness of 
the heart. He had been confined to the house for three 
months past, and although he sank rapidly at the last, a 
fatal result had not been unexpected by his family. 

Bis heart affection developed about three years ago, since 
which time Mr. Sellers had been obliged to give up much of 
his legal and other work. All of his family were at the 
bedside when the end came. Mr. Sellers is survived by 
a widow and the following children: Misses Agnes and 
Elizabeth Sellers, Mrs. Edward P. Vogels, Mrs. Marcellus 
Coxe, Mrs. (I. Howard Stirling, and Edwin Jaquett Sellers, 



SELLERS 43 

who has been associated with his father in the practice of 
law. 

Mr. Sellers was one of the most active and influential of 
the Park Commissioners, and had made municipal park 
details a life study. He was seldom absent from any of the 
committee or board meetings of the Commission since his 
appointment by the Board of Judges as a Park Commis- 
sioner in April, 1876. "With the exception of former Mayor 
Stokley he was one of the oldest members of the Commission 
in years of service, William S. Stokley being appointed a 
Park Commissioner in 1868, when the Commission was 
appointed. 

A special meeting of the Park Commission has been 
called for Thursday at noon to take appropriate action in 
the death of the president. Notices for the meeting have 
been sent out by James L. Miles, vice-president of the Com- 
mission and a member of the Board by virtue of his office 
as president of Select Council. 

Mr. Sellers was a member of the Lawyers' Club, the Rit- 
tenhouse Club, the Clover Club, Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania, Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution, 
the Young Men's Democratic Association, of which he was 
president for several years, and a member of the Board of 
Managers of the Zoological Society. He married Anna 
Frances, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Jaquett, of Phila- 
delphia, and a descendant of Jean Paul Jaquett, governor 
of Delaware in 1655. 

David Wampole Sellers had been long prominent in his 
profession, being a most successful corporation lawyer. A 
leader in the Democratic party, his counsel in that organiza- 
tion was always referred to, and in 1895 he succeeded Wil- 
liam F. Harrity as president of the Young Men's Demo- 
cratic Association, and he did much to increase the influence 
of that organization. 

His opinion in grave questions was sought and invariably 
followed. It was the high regard for his fairness and astute- 



44 SELLERS 

aese that caused him to be sent by request of the Demo- 
cratic National Committee to Florida in 1876 to represent 
the Democratic electors of that State before the Returning 
Board in the famous Tilden-llayes contest for the Presidency 
of the United States. Mr. Sellers was frequently chosen as 
a delegate to important Democratic conventions, and as 
chairman of the Committee on Rules took an active part in 
the revision of the rules of the Democratic party in Phila- 
delphia, a few years ago. In 1877 he was the candidate of 
his party for City Solicitor and, although defeated, polled a 
heavy vote. 

Mr. Sellers was born in Philadelphia, May 11, 1833. He 
entered the public schools of this city, graduating at the 
High School, and studied law with Judge Cadwalader. He 
was admitted to the Bar in May, 1854, and practised law in 
this city ever since. He was chief assistant in the City 
Solicitor's office for eight successive years, under Messrs. 
Henry T. King, Charles E. Lex, and Fred Carroll Brewster. 
For a decade he handled and disposed of many of the most 
important cases affecting Philadelphia interests. 

On May 8, 1876, he was appointed a member of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission, of which he was elected president 
on December 8, 1899. In 1865 he became counsel of the 
Union Passenger Railway Company, the Chestnut and 
Walnut, the Continental, and other railway companies; in 
1879 of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; in 1880 of 
the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore, Northern 
Central, and Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Companies, 
all of which he represented at his death. 

On December 5, 1899, la- was elected vice-chancellor of 
the Law Association of Philadelphia. He was also vice- 
provost of the Law Academy of Philadelphia, which posi- 
tions he held at the time of his death. 

Mr. Sellers was perhaps best known for his work in con- 
nection with the Park Commission. He was for many 
years chairman of the Committee on Land Purchases and 



SELLERS 45 

Damages of the Commission. This committee is in reality 
the law committee of the Commission. It was largely 
through the influence of Mr. Sellers that the triangle at 
Twenty-fifth and Spring Garden Streets, the acquisition of 
which cost some hundreds of thousands of dollars, was an- 
nexed to the Park. The extension of the boundaries of 
the Wissahickon Ravine, the adjustment of the boundaries 
of the Reading Railway in Park confines, the acquisition 
of Roberts Hollow near the Country Club at Bala, and the 
building of the Roberts Hollow drive were projects with 
which Mr. Sellers had been actively identified. 

' Mr. Sellers has always evinced a profound interest in 
any matter which concerned the Park,' said former justice 
Samuel Gustine Thompson to-day. ' No one displayed a 
greater interest. He rarely missed meetings of the board 
or of the different committees. It might accurately be said 
that it was with him a labor of love. He was more familiar 
with legislation regarding Park matters than any other com- 
missioner. "When any question involving legislation for the 
Commission came up, it was invariably referred to him for 
information, he was always prompt in his determination. 
His loss to the Commission in this regard will be very great, 
and his place will be difficult to fill. Li extending Park 
boundaries he was always most interested. On this subject 
he was exceedingly comprehensive. He seemed anxious to 
create a park the largest and most attractive of any in the 
world. 

'As a lawyer,' continued Judge Thompson, < Mr. Sellers 
ranked among the foremost of our Bar. His knowledge of 
the law was very extensive and his ability in the trial of a 
case displayed a quickness and a grasp of the matters in 
controversy, which indicated the lawyer of the highest 
grade. Few men at the Bar will be more missed than Mr. 
Sellers, and no man had more strong, earnest friends. I 
am quite sure the community will feel that in the death of 
Mr. Sellers it has lost a valuable member.' ' 



46 SELLERS 

(Ledger, December 25, 1901.) 

" David W. Sellers, President of the Fairmount Park 
Commission, and one of the most eminent members of the 
Philadelphia Bar, died at his residence, at 322 South Tenth 
Street, early yesterday morning. His death was due to 
complications resulting from weakness of the heart, which 
developed about three years ago, and for the last three 
months he had been confined to his home. 

The deceased was the legal representative of several im- 
portant corporations. In 1865 he became counsel for the 
Union Passenger, Chestnut and Walnut, and other rail- 
way companies. In 1879 he was made counsel for the 
Pennsylvania, and in 1880 for the Philadelphia, Wilming- 
ton and Baltimore, Northern Central, and Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Companies. For many years he was 
prominent in the civic, State, and national counsels of the 
Democratic party. He was appointed a member of the 
Fairmount Park Commission in May, 1876, and at the time 
of his death had been president of that body since Decem- 
ber, 1899. In this connection he was for many years 
chairman of the Committee on Land Purchases and Dam- 
ages, and it was largely due to his efforts that the triangular 
plot of ground at Twenty-fifth and Spring Garden Streets 
was annexed to Fairmount Park. He was likewise actively 
interested in the extension of the boundaries of the Wissa- 
hickon Ravine, the adjustment of the boundaries of the 
Reading Railway in Park confines, the acquisition of Rob- 
erts Hollow near the Country Club at Bala, and the building 
of Roberts Hollow drive. 

A NATIVE OF THIS CITY. 

David Wampole Sellers was born in this city May 11, 
1833, his father being the late Samuel Sellers. The family 
has lived in Pennsylvania since 1727, when Philip Henry 
Sellers (originally spelled Soller with an umlaut over the o) 



SELLERS 47 

came to this country from Weinheim, and settled in Bucks 
County. 

Upon completing his academic education, David ~W. Sel- 
lers was registered as a student at law under the preceptor- 
ship of the late John Cadwalader, and was admitted to the 
Philadelphia Bar on May 11, 1854. He immediately be- 
came active as a practitioner. In 1857 the firm of T. & J. 
"W. Johnson & Co. published an edition of " Chitty on the 
Law of Carriers," with American notes, by Mr. Sellers. 
On January 6, 1858, he was admitted to the Supreme 
Court of Pennsylvania, and on December 8, 1865, to the 
Supreme Court of the United States. He was appointed an 
assistant solicitor by Henry T. King, then City Solicitor, 
on May 13, 1858, and was continued in that position under 
the administrations of Charles E. Lex and F. Carroll 
Brewster until January 1, 1866. 

The Law Association of Philadelphia honored him with 
the office of vice-chancellor in December, 1899, and the 
Law Academy elected him vice-provost, both of which 
offices he continued to fill until his death. 

In 1876, by request of the Democratic National Com- 
mittee, Mr. Sellers was sent to Florida to represent the 
Democratic electors of that State before the Returning 
Board in the Tilden-Hayes contest for the Presidency of 
the LTnited States. He was also a delegate to several im- 
portant Democratic conventions, and as chairman of the 
Committee on Rules took an active part in the revision of 
the rules of the Democratic party a few years ago. Although 
defeated, he received a large vote as Democratic candidate 
for the City Solicitorship in 1877. 

MEMBER OF MANY ORGANIZATIONS. 

He was a member of the Lawyers' Club, the Rittenhouse 
Club, the Clover Club, the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution, 
the Young Men's Democratic Association, of which he was 



48 SELLERS 

President for the last five years, and a member of the Board 
of Managers at the Zoological Society. 

Mr. Sellers married Anna Frances, daughter of the late 
Rev. Joseph Jaquett, of this city, a descendant of Jean 
Paul Jaquett, governor of Delaware in 1655. He leaves a 
widow, one son, and five daughters. His son, Edwin 
Jaquett Sellers, had for several years been associated with 
hi m in the practice of the law, and is a prominent member 
of the Young Men's Democratic Association. His daugh- 
ters are Mrs. Edward P. Yogels, Mrs. Marcellus Coxe, Mrs. 
G. Howard Stirling, of Baltimore County, Md., Miss Eliza- 
beth Sellers, and Miss Agnes Sellers. 

The Fairmount Park Commission will hold a special 
meeting at noon to-morrow to take action on President 
Sellers's death." 

(Editorial.) 

"By the death of David W. Sellers the Philadelphia 
Bar has lost one of its most acute, accomplished, and suc- 
cessful practitioners, and the Park Commission a useful 
member. Mr. Sellers was an active member of the Bar for 
nearly fifty years, and was particularly successful as a cor- 
poration lawyer. For eight years he was an assistant in the 
City Solicitor's office, and ably managed the legal business 
of the city intrusted to him. As a member of the Park 
Commission, with which he was connected for twenty-five 
years, he became very conversant with the law respecting 
Park affairs, and gave intelligent personal and professional 
attention to the development of the great pleasure ground. 
One of the notable tributes to Mr. Sellers's legal ability was 
his selection by the Democratic National Convention to 
represent the Florida Tilden electors before the Returning 
Board in the Tilden-Hayes contest for the Presidency." 

(Press, December 25, 1901.) 
" David W. Sellers, widely known throughout the State 
BS a corporation lawyer of marked ability, and an energetic 



SELLERS 49 

and influential leader in the Democratic party, died early 
yesterday morning at his home, 322 South Tenth Street. He 
had been suffering since 1898 from weakness of the heart, and 
three months ago took to his bed, rallying and weakening 
alternately until relieved by death. David Wampole Sel- 
lers, eldest son of the late Samuel Sellers, and a descendant 
of Philip Henry Sellers, of Weinheim, Germany, who set- 
tled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 1727, was born 
in Philadelphia, May 11, 1833. Upon completing his edu- 
cation at the public schools here, he was registered as a 
student-at-law under the late Judge John Cadwalader, and 
was admitted to the Philadelphia Bar on his twenty-first 
birthday. He immediately became active as a practitioner, 
and in January, only four years later, was admitted to the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and in December, 1865, to 
the Supreme Court of the United States. 

In the spring of 1858 he was appointed chief assistant to 
Henry T. King, then City Solicitor, and was continued in 
that position for eight successive terms. In 1865 he became 
counsel of the Union Passenger Railway Company, the 
Chestnut and Walnut, the Continental, and other railway 
companies; in 1879, of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany; in 1880, of the Philadelphia, "Wilmington and Balti- 
more, the Northern Central, and the Baltimore and Po- 
tomac Railroad Companies, all of which he represented at 
his death. 

Li all of this Mr. Sellers found time to give much atten- 
tion to politics, and was always regarded as one of the lead- 
ers here of the Democratic party. It was the high regard 
for his fairness and astuteness that caused him to be sent by 
request of the Democratic National Committee to Florida, 
in 1876, to represent the Democratic electors of that State 
before the returning board in the famous Tilden-Hayes 
contest for the Presidency of the United States. Mr. Sel- 
lers was frequently chosen as a delegate to important Dem- 
ocratic conventions, and, as chairman of the Committee on 

4 



50 SELLERS 

Rules took an active part in the revision of the rules of the 
Democratic party in Philadelphia a few years ago. 

His connection with the Fairmount Park Commission 
has been both intimate and valuable to its best interests 
ever since he took his seat at its board in May, 1876. It 
was largely through the influence of Mr. Sellers that the 
triangle at Twenty-fifth and Spring Garden Streets, the 
acquisition of which cost some hundreds of thousands of 
dollars, was annexed to the Park. The extension of the 
boundaries of the Wissahickon ravine, the adjustment of 
the boundaries of the Reading Railway in the Park confines, 
the acquisition of Roberts Hollow, near the Country Club, 
at Bala, and the building of Roberts Hollow drive were 
projects with which Mr. Sellers had been actively identified. 
For two years before his death he had been president of the 
commission. 

Mr. Sellers was a member of the Lawyers' Club, the Rit- 
tenhouse Club, the Clover Club, Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania, Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolu- 
tion, the Young Men's Democratic Association, of which 
he was president for several years, and a member of the 
Board of Managers of the Zoological Society. He was also 
vice-chancellor of the Law Association, and vice-provost of 
the Law Academy. 

He is survived by his widow, Anna Frances, the daugh- 
ter of the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Jaquett of this city, and a 
descendant of Jean Paul Jaquett, governor of Delaware in 
1655; a son, Edwin Jaquett Sellers, who has for some years 
been associated with him in the practice of the law, and 
five daughters, — Agnes and Elizabeth, unmarried; Mrs. 
Edward P. Vogels, Mrs. Marcellus Coxe, and Mrs. G. 
Howard Stirling." 

(Editorial.) 

" David W. Sellers, who died yesterday, was a genial, and 
in many respects a brilliant citizen. All through his life he 
had a considerable part in affairs, always with advantage to 



SELLERS 51 

the public and credit to himself. For nearly a quarter of a 
century he was a member of the Park Commission and its 
president at the time of his death. His intelligence, fore- 
sight, and enterprise enabled him to render the public most 
valuable service in the enlargement and improvement of the 
city's great Park. He was ever progressive in all these offi- 
cial undertakings, and his experience and long familiarity 
with the work of the commission, of which he was such a 
faithful and competent member, will be greatly missed. At 
the Bar he early took the front rank and held his place 
there. He had a most attractive personality ; few men have 
enjoyed a larger acquaintance in this community ; he was a 
good and sunshiny friend and a useful citizen." 

{North American, December 25, 1901.) 
" David W. Sellers, lawyer, politician, and president of 
the Fairmount Park Commission, died at 3 o'clock yester- 
day morning at his home, 322 South Tenth Street, from 
heart disease. He was 68 years old. 

During the past few years Mr. Sellers had been in poor 
health. A complication of diseases forced him to take to 
his bed three months ago, and his death was expected by 
the family. 

Mr. Sellers was a most successful corporation lawyer. 
His counsel was frequently sought by persons from a dis- 
tance. In 1876 he gained distinction by being selected by 
the Democratic National Committee to represent the Demo- 
cratic electors of Florida before the returning board in the 
famous Tilden-Hayes contest for the Presidency of the 
United States. 

ACTIVE IN DEMOCRATIC POLITICS. 

In politics he was active in the conduct of campaigns of 
the Democratic party in nation and State. In 1895 he 
succeeded William F. Harrity as president of the Young 
Men's Democratic Association. 



52 SELLERS 

His election to the presidency of the Park Commission 
was made December 8, 1899, following the death of Presi- 
dent James McManes. lie was a member since April, 
1876, and for many years its vice-president. 

Serving for years as chairman of the Committee on Land 
Purchases and Damages, he was largely instrumental in 
securing an extension of the boundaries of the Park along 
Wissahickon Creek, and also securing additional land in 
West Park to Roberts Hollow, near Chamounix. 

Mr. Sellers was born in Philadelphia in 1834. From 
the Central High School he entered the office of the late 
Judge John Cadwalader. He was admitted to the Bar 
in 1854. 

AUTHOKITY ON MUNICIPAL LAW. 

Early in his legal career he became chief assistant in the 
City Solicitor's office, serving eight successive years under 
Henry T. King, Charles E. Lex, and Frederick Carroll 
Brewster, lie became a recognized reliable authority on 
municipal law, and after vacating this office was engaged as 
counsel in various suits against the city. 

In January, 1877, Mr. Sellers was the Democratic candi- 
date for City Solicitor, but was unable to overcome the 
great Republican vote, and was defeated by W. Nelson 
West by a majority of 7548. 

In December, 1879, he was appointed by the board of 
directors of the Pennsylvania Company one of the local 
solicitors of that corporation. He was a member of the 
Lawyers' and Rittenhouse Clubs and active in the order of 
Sons of the Revolution. 

Mr. Sellers married Miss Anna Frances Jaquett. He 
had one son, Edwin Jaquett Sellers, who adopted his 
father's profession. The daughters are Misses Agnes and 
Elizabeth Sellers, Mrs. Edward P. Vogels, Mrs. Marcellus 
Coxe, and Mrs. G. Howard Stirling. 



SELLERS 53 

PARK BOARD TO HONOR MR. SELLERS. 

A meeting of the Commissioners of Fairmount Park has 
been called for next Friday, to take action upon the death 
of President Sellers. It is not probable that any immediate 
action will be taken by the Board in electing his successor. 
The duties of the office will be discharged temporarily by 
Vice-President James L. Miles." 

{Inquirer, December 25, 1901.) 

" David Wampole Sellers, president of the Park Commis- 
sion, and one of the most widely known and respected 
members of the Philadelphia Bar, died early yesterday 
morning at his residence, 322 South Tenth Street, at the 
age of 68 years. Mr. Sellers has been in failing health for 
fully a year past, and his death did not come unexpectedly 
to the members of his family, all of whom were at his bed- 
side during the last moments. The immediate cause of his 
death was heart failure and the complications which are 
due to weak heart action. He is survived by a widow and 
five daughters, the Misses Agnes and Elizabeth Sellers, 
Mrs. Edward P. Vogels, Mrs. Marcellus Coxe, and Mrs. G. 
Howard Stirling, and one son, Edwin Jaquett Sellers, who 
has for some time been associated with his father in his law 
practice. 

Mr. Sellers was born in this city on May 11, 1833, was 
educated at the public schools, and studied law under 
Judge Cadwalader. He was admitted to the Bar in 1854, 
and has practised law in this city until his retirement, a 
little over a year ago. For eight successive years he served 
as chief assistant in the City Solicitor's office under Henry 
T. King, Charles E. Lex, and F. Carroll Brewster, during 
which time he disposed of many of the most important 
cases affecting Philadelphia, and so familiar did he become 
with municipal law that he was considered one of the most 
reliable authorities in that branch of his profession in the 
countrv. 



54 SELLERS 

In 1879 he was appointed one of the local solicitors to 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in succession to Chap- 
man Biddle. Two years before he had been a candidate 
for the City Solicitorship, but was defeated by W. Nelson 
West, the Republican candidate. About the same time he 
went to Florida at the invitation of the Democratic Na- 
tional Committee to argue before the Supreme Court in 
the famous Ilayes-Tilden contest for the Presidency of the 
United States. 

It was in 1876 that Mr. Sellers was elected a member of 
the Park Commission to succeed Theodore Cuyler, and to 
tlie day of his retirement he was always one of the most 
active and influential members of the body. He was elected 
to the presidency on December 8, 1899, to succeed the late 
James McManes. 

Few men were bo universally admired and respected at 
the Philadelphia bar as was David W. Sellers, and his ex- 
tensive knowledge of the law and great ability will make 
his loss felt throughout the legal community. 

The Board of Commissioners of Fairmount Park will 
meet to-morrow at City Hall to take suitable action upon 
Mr. Sellers's death. After the meeting they will attend the 
funeral in a body." 

( Times, December 25, 1901.) 

"David YVaiiipole Sellers, one of the best-known lawyers 
of tliis city, and president of the Fairmount Park Commis- 
sion, died early yesterday morning, at his home, 322 South 
Tenth Street, For the last three years Mr. Sellers had been 
suffering from a complication of diseases arising from a 
weakness of the heart. Although lie was in a weakened 
condition as a result of his siekness, his death was not 
expected so quickly. 

Mr. Sellers was a native of this city, being } )0 rn here in 
1833. After graduating from the Central High School, he 
took up the study of law in the office of the late Judge 



SELLERS 55 

John Cadwalader. He was admitted to the Bar in May, 
1854, and until the last few years was continually engaged 
in the practice of his profession. His rise to eminence was 
rapid. For eight successive years he was chief assistant in 
the City Solicitor's office, under Henry T. King, Charles 
E. Lex, and Frederick Carroll Brewster. Because of his 
intimate familiarity with legislative acts and Councilmanic 
ordinances, he became one of the most reliable authorities 
on these subjects at the Philadelphia Bar. 

In 1876 Mr. Sellers was elected by the Board of Judges 
to be a member of the Fairmount Park Commission. He 
served on the Commission continuously from that date, and 
in 1899 was elected president of the body, which position 
he held at the time of his death. Mr. Sellers was a mem- 
ber of many prominent clubs, including the Lawyers' Club, 
the Rittenhouse Club, the Clover Club, Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revo- 
lution, Young Men's Democratic Association, and the Board 
of Managers of the Zoological Society. 

A special meeting of the Park Commission has been 
called for Thursday, at noon, by James L. Miles, vice-presi- 
dent of the Commission and president of Select Council, at 
which appropriate action will be taken on his death. 

He is survived by a widow, several daughters and a son, 
Edwin J. Sellers, who has been associated with him in the 
practice of law for several years." 

(Editorial.) 
" David W. Sellers was a very able lawyer and a very 
useful citizen. His broad knowledge of affairs as well as 
his force of character qualified him in an unusual degree for 
the public service, but it is one of the misfortunes of Phila- 
delphia that men of Democratic convictions are excluded 
from elective office. Mr. Sellers nevertheless did serve the 
city long and well, as one of the most active of the Com- 
missioners of Fairmount Park, whose president he was at 



66 SELLERS 

the time of his death, and he was always ready for any 
proper call upon his time, his influence or his wise advice 
for the general advantage. His death is a distinct loss to 
Philadelphia, removing one more of those brilliant Demo- 
cratic lawyers of the older generation who have adorned the 
bar and brightened the society of the old city." 

(Record, December 25, 1901.) 

" David W. Sellers, one of the most prominent members 
of the Philadelphia bar — a sterling character of the old 
school, and a recognized authority on municipal law — died 
yesterday. Since 1876 Mr. Sellers had served the city as a 
member of the Park Commission, and on December 8, 1899, 
he was elected to succeed the late James McManes as presi- 
dent of the Board. 

For the past three years Mr. Sellers had been in poor 
health, confined to his residence at No. 322 South Tenth 
street, periodically during that time. He suffered with 
colds, heart trouble, and a general breaking down of his 
system. He was 68 years old. Three months ago Mr. 
Sellers was stricken with a complication of ailments, and he 
was never able to leave his bed again. 

TIIE TRIBUTE OF A FRIEND. 

4 My friendship with Mr. Sellers extended back over a 
period of forty years,' said ex-City Treasurer William B. 
Irvine last night, 'and I take pleasure in saying that he was 
the brightest, ablest, and most painstaking man ever holding 
the office of Assistant City Solicitor. Although he was a 
Democrat in politics, while I am ;i Republican, he was my 
ideal <>t' a public official — a man who always dared do right 
regardless of who was offended. 

If the city of Philadelphia could employ the services of a 
man like Mr. Sellers he would be worth five salaries rather 
than be without him. It was Mr. Sellers who very largely 
aided City Solicitor Frederick Carroll Brewster, who died a 



SELLERS 57 

few years ago, in preparation of the Girard will cases, which 
involved the millions left by the late Stephen Girard, and was 
the final chapter in the long-drawn contest of heirs, being a 
most brilliant victory for the city. He was appointed an 
assistant by the late Charles E. Lex, who was City Solicitor 
in the sixties, and he was continued in office by three suc- 
ceeding City Solicitors, all Republicans. 

EXPERT IN MUNICIPAL LAW. 

During Mr. Sellers's connection with the office of City 
Solicitor he framed many ordinances and acts, which se- 
curely intrenched the city against future litigation, and to- 
day form the impregnable defence of the city in damage 
suits and other legal proceedings. He knew more muni- 
cipal law than any person since connected with the city 
government. Every case he was connected with, for the 
city, was invariably successful. He prepared his cases in the 
most explicit manner, and his reputation for integrity was 
far above even a suspicion of reproach.' 

There will be a special meeting of the Park Commission 
to-morrow at noon, to take suitable action on the death of 
its president. Arrangements for the funeral have not been 
completed. 

DISTINGUISHED LAWYER'S CAREER. 

Mr. Sellers was a native of Philadelphia. He passed 
through the grammar schools and was graduated from the 
Central High School, after which he entered the law office 
of the late Judge John Cadwalader. He was admitted to 
the Bar in May, 1854, and for nearly half a century was a 
successful and honored practitioner. Mr. Sellers's long con- 
nection with the City Solicitor's office so familiarized him 
with acts of Assembly and Councilmanic ordinances that he 
was frequently retained by the city as special counsel. 

In January, 1877, Mr. Sellers was entered in his first and 
only political race. He was nominated by the Democratic 
party for the office of City Solicitor, but at the election 



58 SELLERS 

which followed in February ho was defeated by the low 
majority of 7548 by W. Nelson West. In December, 1879, 
Mr. Sellers was appointed by the directory of the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad Oompan}' to the office of local solicitor for 
that corporation. Shortly before that time he figured prom- 
inently before the whole country in connection with a dis- 
puted Presidential election, going to Florida at the invitation 
of the Democratic National Committee to appear before the 
Supreme Court of that State. 

HIS WORK FOR FAIRMOUNT PARK. 

Ever a friend of municipal improvements, Mr. Sellers has 
had much to do with the beautifying and enlarging of Fair- 
mount Park. He was largely instrumental in securing 
additional land and extending its boundaries along Wissa- 
liickon Creek and the carrying of "West Park up to Roberts 
Hollow, near Chamounix. He officiated in the Board as 
chairman of the Committee on Land Purchases and Dam- 
ages. On December 5, 1899, he was elected vice-chancellor 
of the Law Association of Philadelphia, and he was also 
vice-provost of the Law Academy. 

In private life Mr. Sellers was well known socially, being 
a member of the Rittenhouse Club, the Clover Club, the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania 
Society of the Sons of the Revolution. He was a member 
of the Zoological Society, and for several years its president. 
He married Miss Anna Frances Jaquett, daughter of the 
late Rev. Joseph Jaquett, a descendant of Jean Paul Jaquett, 
governor of Delaware in 1655. The deceased is survived 
by his widow, five daughters, and one son, Edwin Jaquett 
Sellers." 

Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of Fairmount 
Park upon the announcement of the death of David W. 
Sellers, Esq., late president of the Board : 



SELLERS 59 

"Office of the Commissioners of Fairmount Park, 

Philadelphia, December 26, 1901. 

A Special Meeting of the Board was held this day at 
twelve o'clock m., at the office of the Commission. 

The vice-president in the Chair. 

The formal announcement of the death of President 
David W. Sellers was made to the Board hy James L. Miles, 
vice-president, who said, — 

' Gentlemen, — As vice-president of this Commission, it 
becomes my very sorrowful duty to announce the death 
of our colleague and president, David W. Sellers. His 
long service in this Commission, his conspicuous ability, 
and his love for the work he so enjoyed, has made him the 
most useful member of this Commission. I have, there- 
fore, taken this first opportunity after his death of calling 
the Commission together, in order that appropriate action 
shall be taken in regard to his death.' 

Mr. Snowden then spoke as follows : 

' Gentlemen, — I have prepared a minute expressive of 
our profound regret at the calamity which has befallen 
the family of the deceased, this Commission, and the gen- 
eral public in the death of our late president, David W. 
Sellers. 

I have been intimately associated with Mr. Sellers for 
over twenty years, and in all that time I grew steadily in 
appreciation of his qualities, — his marvellous tact, which 
has served us on so many occasions, his enthusiasm in 
the work of the Commission, his high purpose, and, above 
all, his kindly disposition. It is not often we find in one 
man the executive and administrative qualities so admira- 
bly united as in Mr. Sellers, to which were added a gentle- 
ness of manner and a sweetness of disposition, which made 
sunshine displace shadows and light to shine wherever he 
went, He was a very rare man. He had many trials in 
life, but they never seemed to dampen or depress his spirits. 



60 SELLERS 

Ik' was always the same light-hearted, genial, but earnest 
man. 

Bis profound knowledge of the law gave him an especial 
equipment in the handling of difficult questions coming be- 
fore the Commission. He combined with this a rare tact, 
which enabled him, at all times, to accomplish the best 
results. We have all seen him on occasions when a more 
restless spirit would have taken radical measures, but he 
never lost his calm self-possession. He never stated any 
proposition, never advanced to any position without the 
approval of his fellow-Commissioners. 

No man ever connected with this Commission has served 
the city of Philadelphia better than Mr. Sellers; no man 
ever accomplished more difficult tasks than he. The last 
and most serious subject which he adjusted was the long- 
standing dispute respecting the boundaries of the Philadel- 
phia and Heading Railway Company, within the Park 
limits. For many years this matter remained unsettled — 
Mr. Sellers not only arrived at satisfactory conclusions, but 
did so with the hearty approval of both the interested 
parties. 

He has gone and left us to carry on this work so long as 
the good Lord allows us to remain. I trust we may do so 
with the fidelity and zeal which characterized his labors. 

I cannot go into an extended eulogy. I am not talking 
to an outside audience. I can say nothing of our de- 
parted friend that you do not know, that is not in all our 
hearts. He was certainly one of the sweetest characters I 
ever knew. 

I offer the following minute for adoption : 

The death of David W. Sellers, Esq., our late president, 
• Mint's as a personal sorrow and bereavement to every mem- 
ber of this Commission, to each of whom he had endeared 
himself by the charm of his personality. 

A- a Commissioner he has left a record for fidelity to 
duty — tor earnest, intelligent and effective labor — excelled 



SELLERS 61 

by no member of the Commission since its organiza- 
tion. 

His profound knowledge of the law, his long and hon- 
orable connection with the Law Department of the city, 
gave him an especial equipment in meeting questions of 
law and the methods of procedure when presented for the 
action of the Commission. He was always an intelligent 
and safe counsellor, whose guidance the Commission fol- 
lowed with implicit confidence. 

Mr. Sellers was appointed a Commissioner to succeed the 
late Theodore Cuyler, on April 12, 1876. He was elected 
vice-president on January 11, 1890, and president on De- 
cember 8, 1899, and departed this life in the early morning 
of December 24, 1901. 

To attempt a formal summary of his labors for the de- 
velopment of the people's great pleasure ground would be 
to enumerate nearly every important work accomplished 
during his connection with the Commission. He loved 
Fairmount Park, and his unselfish labor in its development 
was made easy to him as it was a "labor of love." 

He inspired his associates in the discharge of their varied 
duties by his example, his confidence, and his sympathy, 
whilst he endeared himself to all by his kindness and gen- 
tleness of spirit. 

As a citizen and public official he commanded our con- 
fidence and esteem ; as a man he had our unchanging 
affection. 

Resolved, That a copy of this minute be transmitted to 
the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That the members of the Commission attend 
the funeral of the deceased president in a body.' 

Mr. Stokley seconded the motion to adopt the minute 
and said, — 

' Gentlemen, — On this occasion I feel a very great per- 
sonal sorrow, because I knew Mr. Sellers as a boy. We 



02 SELLERS 

were associated together in very early life. I shall always 
remember one occasion, when he was about nine years old, 
that he delivered an oration on the life and character of 
General Washington. I do not propose to make a speech 
— I am not a speaker — but I want to say that I fully en- 
dorse every word that Colonel Snowden has uttered.' 

Mr. Thompson then spoke as follows: 

< Gentlemen, — A trust which concerns the administration 
of the affairs of a park like Fairmount Park is one of no 
ordinary significance. It concerns its maintenance, preser- 
vation, improvement, and adornment ; it is one in which the 
municipality has the profoundest interest. Civic pride nat- 
urally has for its bases judicious methods of administration, 
an effective system of transportation, perfect sewerage, an 
ample supply of pure water, wise measures to secure health, 
superb buildings, and magnificent parks. To the perform- 
ance of the duties of a trust so significant, Mr. Sellers 
brought unusual ability and a fidelity which cannot be over- 
stated. Whenever any work was to be done in the Park, he 
inquired into its necessity ; whenever any marked improve- 
ment was to be made, his investigation was complete as to 
its importance ; whenever any adornment was to be accom- 
plished he was alert to ascertain the efficiency of it; when- 
ever the Park was to be extended by increasing its limits, 
he was on the ground to see the necessity of such extensions 
and the importance of them. 

I remember upon one occasion, when we were taking 
into the Park some additional territory, I said to Mr. 
Sellers, " It seems somewhat harsh to my mind, some- 
what inequitable, to take private property for the recrea- 
tion of the masses." lie replied, " Oh, yes ; that is true, 
l»ut individual injury often occurs for the benefit of the 
masses." 

The records of this Commission contain enduring evi- 
dence of his fidelity. And, as the compass guides the mari- 



SELLERS 63 

ner, so I trust that such records will be a clear guide to us 
in the performance of our duties, and to those who shall 
succeed us. 

Mr. Sellers, personally, was a man who hated antago- 
nisms; he disliked hostilities; he turned his back upon bitter 
hatreds. He was kind and gentle. He sought to avoid all 
possible friction, whether in his private life or his public 
duties. "^Equam servare Mentam." He sought to pre- 
serve an equal mind under all circumstances. D'Israeli said 
that " Great brains and small affections" were the essential 
qualities for success in public life. Mr. Sellers, I am happy 
to say, illustrated that in one respect the suggestion was at 
fault. He possessed great brains and strong affections. ~No 
man ever came close to Mr. Sellers without being impressed 
with the conclusion that he was indeed a man of the strong- 
est affections. So strong have those affections been mani- 
fested that in all directions, everywhere you hear the same 
profound regret at his loss. 

He possessed gentleness, kindness, and consideration — 
the qualities which Massenger said " befit a soul moulded 
for Heaven." 

I am quite sure that the impression that Mr. Sellers has 
left behind for his gentleness, his consideration, his kind- 
ness will be one that will not be eradicated by time.' 

Mr. Pollock spoke as follows : 

' Gentlemen, — I had not intended to say a word here to- 
day ; indeed, I can say nothing to add to what has already 
been so well and aptly said by the gentlemen who have 
served with him a longer term than I, but I have known 
him as a younger man, many years ago, and admired him. 
He appeared to have the qualities of manhood that I do ad- 
mire, and that I am inclined to attach myself to. It has 
been my privilege to see him often during his sickness. I 
have sat with him and enjoyed his reminiscences, and the 
geniality of his kindly, loving disposition. 



64 SELLERS 

< me of the very last things that made an impression upon 
me was his taking out of his inside pocket, one day about 
two weeks ago, when I visited him, a note that he had just 
received from the secretary of the Commission, notifying 
hi in that the ordinance had been signed by the mayor, ap- 
propriating additional ground for the Park. I might per- 
haps have expected to see a notice of that kind lying about 
the room in a careless way, but the fact of his taking it out 
of his inside pocket, where he had placed it so carefully, 
impressed me, and what I observed in his condition and 
manner led me to believe that he was soon to be taken 
away. It was the closing up of a matter that I know 
he had carried on his soul and conscience for a long 
time, — the taking of that land for the beautifying of the 
Park. 

I can only say that his loss is a personal sorrow to me, 
and it will be a long time before we will see a man with so 
kindly a nature as Mr. Sellers.' 

Mr. Henry spoke as follows: 

' Gentlemen, — I cannot add anything to what has already 
been said, but there is a little experience that I think might 
be of interest to relate. Within the last two w r eeks I had 
the pleasure of visiting Mr. Sellers. lie had seen some- 
thing in the paper which he did not understand, about the 
Reading matter, and when explained to him, he was so 
gratified that I could see the smile on his face. He said, 
" Henry, that has been before the Commission, I think, for 
twenty years; it has been one of the works of my life, and 
to have it adjusted at last with justice to the city and at the 
-nine time with satisfaction of the Philadelphia and Reading 
i- ;i greal comfort to me." 

I told him that the ordinance appropriating additional 
ground in the Twenty-fourth Ward tor park purposes had 
passed that day, and it was another source of great grati- 
tude He seemed to feel that the work in which he was so 



SELLERS 65 

deeply interested had been accomplished. He said, " I will 
talk more with you about it some other time, and I am 
much pleased with what you have told me." 

The minute, as offered by Mr. Snowden, was unanimously 
adopted. 

THOMAS S. MARTIN, 

Secretary." 

The foregoing resolutions were printed in all the daily 
papers. 



[Evening Bulletin, December 26, 1901.) 

" The funeral of David Wampole Sellers, the eminent 
lawyer, who died the day before Christmas, will be held 
in St. Peter's Church, Third and Pine Streets, to-morrow 
afternoon at two o'clock. 

The Rev. Richard H. Nelson, rector of the church, will 
conduct the services, and the choir will sing < Abide with 
Me' and < Nearer, My God to Thee.' Eight of the Fair- 
mount Park Guards will carry the body to its last resting- 
place, the following men acting as honorary pall-bearers : 
James T. Mitchell, James A. Logan, Samuel Gustine 
Thompson, Samuel Dickson, John Cadwalader, George 
Tucker Bispham, Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, S. Davis 
Page, Victor Guillou, John Samuel, General C. H. T. Collis, 
Silas Pettit, Henry Flanders, P. F. Rothermel, Dr. Orville 
Horwitz, Dr. William H. Bennett, M. Russell Thayer, C. 
Stuart Patterson, William H.Joyce, and several others who 
have not been heard from as yet." 

Addresses delivered at the meeting of the Philadelphia 
Bar, held December 27, 1901, upon the occasion of the death 
of David W. Sellers, Esq., as reported in The Legal Intelli- 
gencer of January 3, 1902 : 

5 



60 SELLERS 

-IN MEMOKIAM— DAVID W. SELLERS, ESQ. 

A meeting of the members of the Philadelphia Bar was 
held in the Supreme Court Room, on Friday, December 27, 
1901, at 11.30 o'clock a.m., to take action upon the death 
of David W. Sellers, Esq. Hon. James T. Mitchell was 
called to the Chair, and Gavin W. ITart, Henry C. Terry, 
aud George Stuart 'Patterson were elected secretaries. 

Upon taking the Chair, Mr. Justice Mitchell said, — 

' Brethren of the Bar, — The sad occasion that assembles 
us together to-day brings home to our hearts the sense of 
personal loss that dictated these meetings when they began 
long ago in a small Bar closely drawn together by commu- 
nity of studies and of labor. That feeling has not often 
been quite possible to realize, of late years, in the larger 
body and more driving life of the present Bar. 

But no Bar was too large, and no life too hurried to 
outreach the sympathies of our departed brother. They 
encircled all from oldest to youngest as in close friendship, 
and they were loyally repaid with affection in kind. I think 
I do no injustice to any of the lessening band of seniors 
who survive, when I say that never again in our day will 
this Bar come together, with the same feeling of personal 
bereavement, to pay their admiring and affectionate tribute 
to such a union of head and of heart as made him not only 
the leader in the highest walks of the profession, but his 
presence an honor, a pride, and a delight to every one of 
his brethren. Never was time or place or gathering that 
his coming was not hailed with heartfelt welcome. The 
gap in the hearts of all who knew him can never be 
filled. 

I cannot say more without trespassing on the province 
of those who will say it better, but I could not have said 
Less without violence to the dictates of a close and daily 
irir]i<lshi|> of hall' a century. 5 



SELLERS 07 

John Samuel, Esq., said, — 

' Mr. Chairman, — I have a minute which I trust will meet 
with the approbation of this meeting : 

" The Bar of Philadelphia sincerely mourns the loss of 
their late associate, David W. Sellers. Of great natural 
intellectual powers, and acquired legal knowledge, a thinker 
as well as a student and scholar, he was yet a wise man of 
affairs, and had, by his own unaided efforts, obtained for 
himself a position among the highest in the profession. As 
a practitioner, he won the respect of the Bench, not more 
by his legal mastery over his cases, than by his frank, in- 
genious, and direct presentation of them. He commanded 
and enjoyed the admiration and personal attachment of his 
professional brethren, by his truthfulness, his sincerity, and 
his fair dealing. He had no professional jealousy ; nothing 
was more pleasing to him than the display of ability by his 
rivals. His civic virtues and wise judgment and usefulness 
as a citizen are attested by the great number of public and 
charitable organizations which sought his services as a 
manager. While the memory of his intellectual achieve- 
ments may, by time and the immediate presence of similar 
qualities, become somewhat dim, the Bar of Philadelphia 
cannot forget, but will always cherish the recollection of 
his amiable kindness and endearing charm." : 

Mr. Samuel then spoke as follows : 

' It has been allotted to me to voice — if indeed I can — the 
deep feeling with which the Bar of Philadelphia has learned 
of the death of David W. Sellers. I think I may, without 
exaggeration, truly say that to our Bar, to each one of us, the 
loss of David W. Sellers has come more in the sense of a 
personal bereavement than would that of any other of our 
associates. This has arisen not so much from admiration 
of his professional acquirements and achievements, which 
were many and important, but by reason of the attractive 
personal charm of his character which made all association 



68 SELLERS 

wj,!, },j m — even the contests of the legal arena — moments 
of satisfaction and pleasure. 

Mr. Sellers was born in 1833. He entered the office of 
my preceptor, the late Judge Cadwalader, in 1851, just after 
I had completed my studentship there. My acquaintance 
with him commenced after his admission to the Bar in 1854, 
and, fortunately for me, our friendship has never been in- 
terrupted. No one, but an idler or a stupid man, could 
leave that office without being thoroughly inoculated with 
the legal germ. Mr. Sellers was neither idle nor stupid. 
He was an eager learner, with a quick, apprehensive intel- 
lect, grasping, it seemed, intuitively, what it took others 
much greater pains to acquire ; and, what I think is un- 
usual in that kind of a brain, he retained firmly what he 
had gained, and had it always ready for his guidance and 
use. Strange also to say, with that character of intellect, 
he was accurate and precise in his statements of principles, 
and most methodical and exact in his business. He never 
had to look for a paper, and had every working-tool of his 
calling always at hand and ready. Though not an obtru- 
sively pushing man, with no self-advertisement, such abilities 
as he possessed were soon found out, and he was at an early 
age employed in the City Solicitor's office. There he re- 
mained over eight years, and acquired such a minute and 
comprehensive knowledge of municipal laws, traditions, and 
business that it is not too much to say that his services 
became :i necessity to those having litigation or business 
of that character. I am told by one of his successors in 
that office that, for years after he had left it, he was the 
paramount authority to whom city officials resorted for 
advice. Tt is truly said that no man is indispensable, — 
some one at once takes his place, — but I am much mis- 
taken if thai great corporation which had the benefit of 
Mr. Sellers's services for so long a time will not for many 
years seriously feel the loss they have sustained by his 
death. 



SELLERS 69 

His acquaintance with municipal affairs thus obtained 
begat in him a great love for the people and the city of 
Philadelphia. I do not know of any man who had studied 
more, and better understood, the needs and requirements 
of this great city, or the most expedient methods for their 
acquisition. He was continuously striving something for 
its benetit and beautification. I believe that, in the oppor- 
tunity it gave him for the accomplishment of his desires in 
this respect, his appointment as one of the Commissioners 
of Fairmount Park gratified him more than any one of the 
many similar positions to which he was called. When it 
had been determined to erect the City Hall where it now 
stands, Mr. Sellers arranged a plan to convert all of the 
ground between the southern end of the building and 
Chestnut Street from the Mint on the east to a like distance 
westward on Chestnut Street into a public open plaza, 
which might be used as a flower market in the early hours 
of the day, and a place of public assemblage later. You 
who see it now, cased in and obscured from view by many- 
storied enclosures around it, can judge of the coup d'ceil and 
perspective which would have been given to this massive 
pile by such an open space, and what a " thing of beauty" 
and usefulness such a place in the heart of the city would 
have been to its citizens. The ground then could have 
been obtained for a comparatively small sum,— if I recollect 
rightly, under half a million of dollars. A private sub- 
scription was started by Mr. Sellers for the acquisition of 
this land, but our citizens then had not as yet learned the 
importance of such municipal beauty, and the plan was, I 
recall well, to Mr. Sellers's chagrin, abandoned. 

On account of his intimate acquaintance with election 
litigations, he was selected by the Democratic National 
Committee to accompany the late George W. Bicldle to 
Florida, to argue before the tribunals there the ditlicult 
questions arising out of the contested Presidential -election 
of Mr. Tilden and Mr. Hayes. This was a great responsi- 



70 SELLERS 

bility i" be imposed on so young a man, but Mr. Sellers, in 
the face of the furious passions of the hour, patriotically 
(for I know that it was done at considerable personal sacri- 
fice) accepted the duty. How well he performed it, what 
friends he made in the performance of that duty, let the 
universal acclaim of those who met him answer. No man 
from the Florida Bar or from those of any of the adjacent 
States who came to Philadelphia for years after that but in- 
quired first of all for Mr. Sellers. What stores of informa- 
tion of Southern life and character, what living pictures of 
what he saw there, those of us who can remember his 
delightful conversation on his return can recall. He had 
one other great faculty beyond his legal knowledge, — " the 
art of doing things." He knew what could be, and what 
could not be, acceptably proposed to be done. He was 
most fertile and suggestive in expedients. While other 
men were standing by, discussing legal propositions, Sellers 
was already at work arranging and planning, so that in 
a little while what seemed at first most difficult came so 
easily to pass that all were astonished at the result. He 
was a bold, though safe, adviser. 

But it is not of Mr. Sellers's professional or intellectual 
achievements that I wish now to speak. Of good and 
capable lawyers there will always be a plenty; but how 
rare, how infrequent, are the personal characteristics which 
were the magnet which drew all men towards him. It is 
on Mr. Sellers's disposition and character that I would like 
to dwell. Were it not that there is something femininistic 
in the word, — and there never was a more virile man than 
Mr. Sellers, — I should use " lovable" as the only proper 
phrase descriptive of him. He was a "lovable" man. His 
temperament was sunny and joyous. It was not an af- 
fected «>r pumped-up gayety. His charm was not that of 
mere manner, which is so frequently the thin veneer of 
inditterence. It was real; it was the man. Kindliness 
was the essouce of his being, shining from his countenance 



SELLERS 



1 



and in bis behavior. You could not make him think ill ot 
any one. Was he not the fairest man any one ever dealt 
with ? Did any of his fellow-lawyers ever feel any resent- 
ment against him, no matter how he had conquered ? Did 
victory to him ever leave a sting with his adversary ? Did 
he ever take any undue advantage of an opponent ? Nay 
was he not always ready to repair his adversary's slips? 
Was there the slightest indirection about him ? Was there 
ever a man who came away from an interview with Mr. 
Sellers but what felt brighter and better for it ? The veri- 
est pessimist, under Mr. Sellers's joyous influence, became 

less hopeless. . 

He was a member of that Politieal Economy Club 
founded by Judge Sharswood, of which you have often 
heard, and which, had I not myself been a member, I 
should like to have said contained the choicest spirits of 
the young Bar at that time; and I well recollect how I 
used to watch and wonder at the struggle that went on in 
Mr Sellers between his intellect and his emotions during 
our talks While his intellect accepted the conclusions ot 
the Political Economists, yet his heart was always rebel- 
lious against the indifference to individual suffering, which 
he and others felt was characteristic of those schools. 
And this same struggle took place with him ,n all Ins rela- 
tions in life. He could not bear that people shall be pun- 
ished, no matter what they had done. Indeed, with him, 
no one was entirely guilty. There was always something 
to be said for him. Who does not recall how never one of 
ns was in trouble but found Mr. Sellers alon^de of « 
He did not court millionaires or men in office, but let a 
IJt attacked or down, and there was Mr. Sellers wUh 
him, cheering, assisting, and endeavoring to save h.m. Ot 
cour'se, withfuch love for his fellow-man, he was eminently 
social; companionship, the attrition of ^ wiftm^ 
reciprocity of good feeling,-was essential to him. lhe 
com" side of life was very vivid to him. He was a racon- 



72 SELLERS 

tear of the first class, and, better still, a good listener. 
Who ever heard thai infectious laugh of his that can 

forget it? 

For those who come after us, to preserve as well as may 
be his fame, always in our profession so evanescent, I have 
endeavored to sketch the lineaments of our late comrade. 
I shall have failed if I have not made it apparent to yon 
that it was the " character" of Mr. Sellers, as it is in all 
men, that is so much more admirable and valuable than 
mere achievement.' 

Judge Willson said, — 

' M R. Chairman, — There are times when one would almost 
prefer to sit in the silence of his sorrow, rather than to 
break the silence even for the uttering of words of grateful 
memory and cordial appreciation. Though this is the dis- 
position of the moment with me, I would consider myself 
recreant to duty if I failed, in this gathering of our profes- 
sion, to pay my tribute of personal regard to him who has 
just been taken from our midst, and to make mention of 
some of those elements in his life and character which gave 
him distinction as a lawyer and citizen. 

My first close acquaintance with Mr. Sellers began at a 
time when, entering upon the discharge of duties con- 
nected with the Law Department of this city, such as he 
had shortly before laid aside, I found it convenient at times 
to go to him for counsel. No man could have been more 
ready or sympathetic than he was to help a professional 
brother in his work. Carefully trained according to the 
thorough methods of study which then prevailed, he was 
early recognized as a lawyer fit for the sharp and stern 
contests of the forum, as well as for the quiet consultation 
of the office. 

lie always struck me as a sort of connecting link be- 
tween a generation of lawyers now extinct and those of 
more recent days. Those older men had an individuality 



SELLERS 73 

which had a quaint charm about it, as well as a large de- 
gree of manly vigor. Sometimes, perhaps, one is tempted 
to wish that the old type, with its strict and exclusive devo- 
tion to the law, might return and abide. Doubtless, we 
have men as strong, as able, as well endowed with high 
character, who adorn our profession equally with those 
of the days to which I refer. But, still, methods have 
changed. Our method of practising law has changed; 
and, to a certain extent, the atmosphere of the law has 
changed. I take it that Mr. Sellers himself — indeed, I am 
sure from what he has said to me — never fell kindly into 
the modern methods of stenographers and typewriters. 
He was in no respect antiquated, but he had a love for the 
old ways. We who knew him well in years gone by re- 
member him as putting into form with his own pen and in 
his own brief style the papers, pleadings, agreements, which 
he had to draw. We think of him as working up his own 
cases, studying the books for himself, and reaching, by his 
own independent examination and effort, the conclusions 
which he enforced in any case which he had to try or 
to argue. 

As a lawyer, he was thorough to a degree which we may 
all well imitate ; not fond, I think — as many of the lawyers 
to whom I referred, the older lawyers, were not — of multi- 
plying references to cases, but fond, thoroughly fond, of 
studying and familiarizing himself with the principles 
which are at the foundation of all cases. 

In the presentation of a case before a court or jury, I 
think all must have been struck with the earnestness and 
sincerity of the man. I think of him as he has tried cases 
before me, or as I have seen him trying other cases ; and 
the simplicity, the directness and earnestness of his style, 
and the completeness of his preparation for the contest 
were models for any lawyer to follow. At the same time, 
the courtesy which he exhibited, both to the court and to 
counsel, as well as to witnesses, was beyond all praise. No 



74 SELLERS 

forceful advocate was ever more uniformly kind and con- 
siderate than was he. 

Perhaps there was no quality which he exhibited more 
distinctly or prominently than that of fairness. This is a 
gift which, as lawyers, we ought all to cultivate and prize 
highly. Any man who has it to such a degree as Mr. 
Sellers had is a marked man in his profession. I think I 
speak the judgment of every lawyer here to-day, when I 
say that Mr. Sellers, in all his relations with others, with 
his clients and with his brethren at the Bar, was essentially 
and radically a fair and true man; that he never took an 
undue advantage of another, but was always manly, open, 
and generous in thought and conduct. 

Mr. Chairman, it seems to me that when we think of 
Mr. Sellers in the days and years to come, we will think of 
him not so much as having brought honor to our profes- 
sion as we will of the man and his manly traits of charac- 
ter. Some of us have been in a cathedral, where there 
seemed to be an atmosphere which pervaded the entire 
building and gave character to all that was in it, — to the 
graceful statues, the beautiful paintings, the robes of the 
priests, and the music of the choir, — some subtle influence 
which could neither be defined nor described, but which 
was a positive force. So there are men who, whatever 
may be their relations in life or the work which they are 
called on to do, carry about with them something, some 
subtle interior thing, which speaks out and manifests itself 
in all that they do. Whether they are merchants, lawyers, 
preachers, or artists, — whatever they may be, — they carry 
with them an indescribable atmosphere which impresses 
itself upon all with whom they come in contact, and gives 
them a characteristic which attaches to them and to their 
memory as long as they are known or remembered. 

Such a man was Mr. Sellers, — a true, noble man, one of 
nature's noblemen, generous, kind, forbearing, patient, lov- 
ing, constant in his affection for those whom he trusted, 



SELLERS 75 

ever ready to help them to bear the burdens of life, and 
living himself before them in such a way as held up a high 
standard of personal conduct, He has left behind him for 
his children and for us all a name and example which, I 
am sure, we shall never forget. It is true, as you have 
said, sir, that no man of this Bar could have dropped out of 
its ranks and left a deeper mark of his own personal influ- 
ence and presence than he whom we mourn to-day.' 

Judge Ashman said, — 

' I knew Mr. Sellers in his youth — I was going to say, in 
his boyhood; I watched him through the progress of his 
manhood ; I shall stand to-day at his grave. And I know 
that, beneath the changes which time may have wrought in 
his person, and it does not seem to me that they were 
many, there always remained unchanged that sprightliness 
of humor, that sunniness of disposition, and that store of 
human sympathy which made him so delightful a com- 
panion and so brave and true a friend. 

In addition to these, which might be termed his more 
personal characteristics, he possessed in full measure those 
intellectual and moral endowments which entitled him to 
leadership among men. He had, more largely than most 
men, that clearness of thought which amounted almost to 
the intuitions of genius, which enabled him to see through 
the intricacies of a proposition, and which made what is a 
task to most men a recreation to him. He was a student 
of books and men, and his charming personality drew to 
him insensibly the affection of his fellows. He had other 
and more shining qualities. He was a born orator. He 
was a master in wit and a poet in language. He was heard 
with something more than delight at the social banquet, or 
at the more public gatherings where men are wont to 
assemble for business or politics. He was calculated to 
take the front rank in any calling, but he undoubtedly 
shone pre-eminent in his chosen profession. He had mas- 



76 SELLERS 

tered the science of the law, and he brought to its practice 

the skill of an artist. Tt was more than a pleasure — it was 
a sell. »( ding to watch him before a jury, as, with exquisite 
tactj lie drew the truth from an unwilling witness, and with 
wit and eloquence, and, if need be, with invective, com- 
pelled a verdict. I have heard him, Mr. Chairman, in that 
forum and before the court in banc, and I never listened to 
liiui except with delight and despair. 

It was a subject of wonder with many of his colleagues, 
with most of his colleagues, that he never seemed to have 
any desire for preferment; that he never sought the honors 
of political or judicial or legislative appointments. He was 
right, however, in this. The most noble figure in English 
history, I take it, is that of the Great Commoner, and the 
most illustrious names, perhaps, that adorn our profession 
are the names of great advocates. Mr. Sellers did accept 
one public trust, and you know how, for a quarter of a 
century, without emolument, he performed with superb 
ability its duties. 

It is too soon, he has left us too recently, to enable us to 
form a just estimate of the value of his service to the Phila- 
delphia Bar. But this we know, and we shall know more 
assuredly as we count up the results of his life-work here- 
after, that he was true to its best traditions, and that he 
lengthened by his name its long roll-call of worthies. 

I confess, Mr. Chairman, to the beauty and dignity of 
the custom which has brought us together; yet who does 
not feel the emptiness of any spoken eulogy, however elab- 
orate. You may, if you choose, catalogue the virtues of 
the departed; you may even, if he had any, refer to his 
failings; yon may tell, in minutest details, the story of his 
life-, and yet the spirit of the man, that which makes up his 
entity, must always elude your grasp. 

The painter's work, I think, is better; and if I had the 
skill of an artist, I would draw the portrait of our dead 
friend on the canvas, and reproduce as well as I could the 



SELLERS 77 

lineaments which we knew so well. I cannot do it. But 
a picture, more vivid and true than any artist could fashion, 
is already framed in the memories of those who knew and 
loved him.' 

Geo. Tucker Bispham, Esq., said, — 

* I have been requested to say something at this meeting, 
and, in view of the very warm personal friendship existing 
between Mr. Sellers and myself, as well also of the profes- 
sional connection between us, there seems to be some pro- 
priety in my saying a few words. They will, however, be 
very few. 

I endorse everything (of my own observation and my 
own knowledge of Mr. Sellers, both as a lawyer and as a 
man) that has been said by the gentlemen who have already 
addressed the meeting. As a lawyer, he possessed, in a 
most eminent degree, those qualities which command suc- 
cess ; and I recall my good fortune in being a witness to 
those qualities at a comparatively recent date. About two 
or three years ago, Mr. Sellers was good enough to ask me 
to sit by his side at a trial of a very important case, which 
lasted about ten or twelve days. I took no active part in 
the trial. He desired me to be there because his health was 
somewhat failing, and he was at the time suffering from 
pain which his courage, his manliness, and his devotion to 
duty enabled him to overcome. My duty, therefore, was 
to sit by him, and listen and watch him try that case. He 
displayed in it the highest qualities of an advocate. There 
was evidence of the thorough preparation which had been 
made before trial. There was, of course, a familiarity with 
all of the principles of law involved. There was a thorough 
acquaintance with all the facts necessary to be developed by 
the cross-examination of the plaintiff's witnesses, for he was 
for the defence. There was that invariable good humor 
which always pervaded his every action. And I am happy 
to say that his efforts were crowned with complete success. 



78 SELLERS 

It is, however, as has been said, as to those of us who 
had the fortune and privilege of knowing this gentleman, 
not only to his legal acquirements, but to his characteristics 
as a man, that we delight to turn. Reference has been 
made to his kindness and his geniality. We have all expe- 
rienced the iirst. I never shall forget the way in which he 
exhibited it to me on many occasions. The last, his sense 
of humor, his wit, his cheery spirit, which survived the 
attacks of disease, and which no pain or suffering seemed 
able to impair, lasted with him to the end of his days. 

The last time I was with Mr. Sellers was between two 
and three weeks ago, when he was in his room. He was 
then suffering, but he greeted me with his accustomed 
warmth, and my last recollection of the man is, as I parted 
from him and went away from his room, of the cheerful 
laugh with which he greeted some observation which had 
fallen from one or other of us as we parted. 

Indeed, I eould not help thinking that to him that prayer 
which occurs in the Litany of one of our churches had been 
most fully answered, — " From all pride, vain-glory, and 
hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all unchari- 
tableness, Good Lord, deliver us !" That prayer was fully 
answered to him. There w T as no pride with him, except that 
which comes, properly conies, to every man wdio has proper 
self-respect. There w T as no empty vanity about his achieve- 
ments, however great they may have been, and they w T ere 
great. Envy, hypocrisy, hatred, malice were as foreign to 
his nature as they are to that of a babe. And his was that 
charity which enfolded in its cloak the sins, however multi- 
tudinous, of those around him. lie will, as has been said, 
leave an enormous gap in our Bar, but I am sure that we 
will all cherish his memory, and, as tar as in us lies, prolit 
by his example.' 

John Cadwalader, Esq., said, — 

'Although Mr. Sellers was ten years my senior at the 
Bar, I doubt it' there are any present, or, in tact, many sur- 



SELLERS 79 

vivors of the Bar, whose recollection of him in connection 
with the profession goes back as far as mine. I recall very 
vividly his bright and very youthful face, ae in the early 
winter of 1851, now more than fifty years ago, he came 
into my father's office. He entered that office, which was 
then quite full, with a number of men of more than ordinary 
attainments. I might mention among them Charles G. 
Leland, known in the field of literature as Hans Breitman ; 
Brinton Coxe, whose scholarship most of you know ; Gideon 
Scull, a brilliant man, who served later with great distinc- 
tion in the army, and recently died, after having moved to 
Boston ; James Buchanan Henry, the nephew and private 
secretary of his uncle, Mr. Buchanan, when President of 
the United States ; Emlen Randolph Richardson, the son 
of the president of the Bank of North America ; and Robert 
Palethorp, who, I think, alone to-day survives. 

At that day it was the custom of lawyers to have their 
offices in their dwelling-houses, and my early education 
was conducted at home under private tutors during the 
morning hours. Later in the day it was my habit to go 
into the office, where association with the students gave me 
the greatest pleasure. Then it was that I first learned to 
know and become attached to Mr. Sellers. He was a very 
attentive and earnest student. He stayed there for more 
than three years, and I do not think he was ever absent 
from the weekly examinations. I have often heard my 
father speak of his devotion to his professional work, and 
there were few of his students in whom my father took a 
deeper interest than in Mr. Sellers. 

My friendship, so early begun, ripened in later life into 
the most deep regard ; and I confess I find it difficult, with- 
out emotion, to express myself to-day. 

Mr. Sellers was a very valuable man to this community, 
and the city as well as the profession owe him a heavy debt 
of gratitude. He threw into any work that he undertook 
not only a very high order of ability, coupled with careful 



80 SELLERS 

and thoroughly methodical system, but a crisp freshness 
and vigor that stimulated every one associated with him. 

The resolutions that have been offered, and those mem- 
bers of the active Bar, as well as of the Bench, that have 
spoken, have testified in the fullest way to that fidelity of 
his character, not only to his clients, but to the Court, and 
it seems to me unnecessary to add anything more to their 
force. 

But there was another field in Mr. Sellers's life where he 
gave the strongest possible proof of his fidelity to his con- 
victions and his readiness to make any personal sacrifice to 
be true to them. I feel this to be an interesting incident in 
Mr. Sellers's life, and therefore I mention it. I refer to his 
political convictions. He had grown up in the association 
and acceptance of the anti-Democratic views, and had been 
allied with the Republican party, both prior to the Civil 
War and during its continuance. He had for a number of 
years been the assistant to several City Solicitors, all of whom 
had been Republicans. At this period, when he was still a 
young member of the Bar and his needs were pressing, he 
became convinced in his own mind of the correctness of 
the interpretation of the constitutional powers of the Federal 
government as then declared by the Democratic party, and 
at once unhesitatingly avowed it. 

It was a very different period of our history from the 
present, when party lines are far less closely drawn. More- 
over, the Democratic party was, if possible, less active even 
than now; and it required no small force of character in 
any man to support it. To my mind, no act of Mr. Sellers's 
life points more strongly to the absolute integrity of his 
nature, or shows more clearly how truly he had the courage 
of his convictions than that step, taken at such a crisis in 
his career. 

It involved, undoubtedly, great sacrifices; but the sugges- 
tion of any other course for him to pursue when he felt 
satisfied that his ..pinions could not conform to those of the 



SELLERS 81 

dominant party never occurred to him. His was a true 
and loyal nature, and his companionship was a refreshment 
in itself. He, as has been said, seemed to make life brighter 
and happier whenever he portrayed any side of it. 

Public-spirited and vigilant as a citizen, brilliant, earnest, 
and most efficient as a lawyer, true and devoted as a friend, 
beloved in his home and by all who knew him, he filled a 
very individual place in this city. His death causes sadness 
to the whole community, and brings to the younger, as 
well as to the older members of the Bar, a feeling of per- 
sonal grief, greater, I believe, than would be created by the 
loss of any other member of our profession.' 

General Collis said, — 

' If I, almost a stranger now, may be permitted to share 
your sorrow, I would like to say a few words, not hoping to 
add anything to what has been so well said, for that were 
impossible, but I should regret all my life to have been 
here and remained silent. 

I do not think David W. Sellers was fonder of any other 
man than he was of me, and he was one of two men I loved 
more than any others in my life. To have had a place in his 
heart meant tender care and sympathy in the hour of trouble 
and adversity ; and it meant the strong arm of a valiant 
soldier, if it were necessary to strike blows. I have been 
the beneficiary of both. His death is as though the better 
part of my own life had been taken from me, for he was 
identified with its most eventful periods. 

There is one consolation in my declining years, — I cannot 
have many more griefs like this.' 

The Chairman : ' I have received one or two letters, 
which, if it be the desire of the meeting, I will hand to the 
Secretary to read.' 

Mr. Terry then read the following letters : 

6 



82 SELLERS 

'Lancaster, Pa., December 26th, 1901. 
Dbab Judge Mitchell: 

I was very fond of Mr. Sellers, and, but for an engage- 
ment made some days ago for to-morrow, which I must 
keep, I should certainly attend the Bar meeting, and esteem 
it a privilege to participate in whatever may be done to 
honor his memory. He was the first Philadelphia lawyer 
that I encountered in my practice. It was just twenty-seven 
years ago, in the old United States Court on Library street, 
and during the long interval from then to now all my rela- 
tions with him were of the pleasantest character. He was 
truly lovable, and sweet memories of him will abide. In 
his profession he was always a lawyer. To me, no man 
spoke more like one, and it were well if there were more 
briefs like his. I cannot now write more of him, but I 
shall never forget him. To the end it will be pleasant to 
think of him, and always with the regret that there are not 
more like him. 

Hoping to see you next week, I am, with kindest regards, 
Very truly yours, 

J. Hay Brown. 

To Hon. .1 i,mes T. Mitchell.' 



'42 Noeth Limb Street, Lancaster, Pa. 
Deab Judge Mitchell : 

I read of Sellers's death this morning with much sadness. 
He was a tine character, a great lawyer, and a winsome man. 
If I could possibly get away to-morrow I should be glad to 
attend the Bar meeting; but I have invited a large company 
of people to my house to-morrow evening, and it is abso- 
lutely necessary I stay here to make some arrangements for 
them. 

Sincerely yours, 

W. U. Eenbel. 
December 25th, I'.hw: 



SELLERS 83 

' 1001 Chestnut Street, 
Philadelphia, 26th December, 1901. 

Hon. James T. Mitchell : 

My dear Judge, — I regret ever so much that I cannot be 
present at the Bar meeting, which, because of the warmth 
of affection universally felt for Mr. Sellers, must be one of 
unusual sadness. 

Mr. Sellers was so full of vivacity, that even his long- 
illness has not disassociated him, in our minds, from our 
idea of cheery, happy life. One of the most marked of his 
characteristics was his kindliness of feeling. Where it was 
possible to take two views of the conduct of another, he 
took, invariably, the one most favorable to the person under 
criticism. Though a man of emphatic, positive judgment, 
I have never heard him say of any human being an unkind 
word. 

His fidelity to his clients was of the highest. Whilst he 
never permitted it to influence him in doing for them aught 
that was not consistent with the keenest sense of honor, his 
advocacy of their cause gave to them the fullest exercise of 
the learning and talents which made him for so many years 
one of the leaders of our Bar. 

Such were his resources of natural ability and study that 
he was ever ready to respond to the greatest demand of a 
practice which brought within its range nearly every de- 
partment of the law. All he possessed was ever at the 
command of his friends. His fund of anecdote and inex- 
haustible humor made him at all times a most delightful 
companion. Those who knew him will carry with them for- 
ever an undying memory of his lovely character. 
Very sincerely yours, 

John G. Johnson.' 

Mr. Samuel then moved the adoption of the minute read 
by him and the appointment by the Chair of a committee, 
of which the oflicers of the meeting are to form a part, to 



8 4 SELLERS 

communicate the said minute to the family of Mr. Sellers, 
together with the proceedings of this meeting. 

This motion was unanimously agreed to, and the Chair- 
man stated that he would announce the appointments later, 
and afterwards appointed the following committee: Samuel 
Dickson, Esq., Hon. Robert K Willson, Hon. William K 
Ashman, John Cadwalader, Esq., John Samuel, Esq., Geo. 
Tucker Bispham, Esq., and Victor Guillou, Esq." 

(Editorial from the Legal In(eUigencer,J)ecejnber 27, 1901.) 
"DAVID W. SELLERS, ESQ. 

The death of David W. Sellers, on the 24th inst.,came as 
a shock to his many friends, notwithstanding the fact that 
it was well known that he had been in failing health for 
some time. 

Mr. Sellers was born in Philadelphia in 1834, entered the 
public schools of the city, graduated from the High School, 
studied law with Judge Cadwalader, and was admitted to 
the Bar in May, 1854. lie served for eight years as First 
Assistant City Solicitor during the administrations of Henry 
T. King, Charles E. Lex, and F. Carroll Brewster, and in 
that capacity had charge of many of the city's most im- 
portant cases, and acquired that profound knowledge of 
municipal law and intimate acquaintance with the practical 
workings of the statutes affecting Philadelphia and its 
municipal ordinances, for which he was afterwards so justly 
celebrated. 

Mr. Sellers has always been a prominent leader in the 
local Democracy, and was for many years president of the 
Young Men's Democratic Association. In the famous 
Eayes-Tilden election contesl he represented, at the request 
<>f the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic 
tors of the State of Florida before the Returning Board. 
He was frequently a delegate to important Democratic con- 
ventions, and. as chairman of the Committee on Rules, took 



SELLERS 85 

an active part in the revision of the party rules in Philadel- 
phia some years ago. 

In April, 1876, he was appointed by the Board of Judges 
a member of the Park Commission, and on the death of 
James McManes was elected to the chairmanship. He 
always took the most active interest in the proceedings of 
the Commission, and to him may be attributed many of the 
more extensive plans of improvements which have been 
developed during the period of his service. 

Mr. Sellers was endowed by nature with judicial powers 
of a high order, and had great capacity in dealing with the 
complicated facts of a critical business situation, a combina- 
tion which, with his strong common sense, rendered him a 
safe adviser. As an advocate he had pre-eminently that 
greatest of all gifts for forensic purposes, the gift of clear 
statement; marked facility in presenting the salient points 
of his case with vigor, while disregarding comparatively 
unimportant details; a power of analysis which enabled 
him to present an intricate and difficult subject in a way 
which rendered it readily apprehended; and a mastery of 
the English language which, when combined with strong 
emotion, at times raised his forensic efforts to the height of 
real eloquence. 

He was a man of the best professional tone, ever mindful 
of his duty to the court as well as to his client ; fair and 
frank in the trial of a case to a marked degree, and in his 
dealings with his professional brethren he was known as a 
man upon whom one could rely with implicit confidence, 
and from whom fair treatment and all due courtesy and 
consideration might be expected. He was essentially a man 
of broad gauge, seeing things in their true perspective, with 
a horror of shams which would have gratified even the 
heart of Carlyle ; one, too, of broad sympathies and widest 
charity ; and in his death the profession has sustained a loss 
which we cannot but think will be felt the more deeply as 
it is the more fully appreciated." 



86 SELLERS 

The foregoing proceedings were published in all thedaiH 
newspapers. 

(Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1901. 

■ The funeral of David W. Sellers took place at two o'clock 
this afternoon, at Old St. Peter's Church, Third and Pine 
Streets. The church was filled with friends of the dead law- 
yer. Rev. Richard H. Nelson, rector of St. Peter's, con- 
ducted the services according to the solemn ritual of the 
Episcopal Church. The choir sang 'Abide with Me,' and 
' Nearer, My God, to Thee.' There were many floral trib- 
utes. 

Following is a list of the honorary pall-bearers: Hon. 
dames T. Mitchell, Hon. James A. Logan, Hon. Samuel 
Gustine Thompson, Samuel Dickson, John Cadwalader, 
Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, George Tucker Bispham, S. 
Davis Page, Sussex D. Davis, Victor Gillou, Silas Pettit, 
John Samuel. General C. H. T. Collis, Dr. Orville Hor- 
witz, Dr. William II. Bennett, C. Stuart Patterson, P. 
F. Rothermel, General Russell Thayer, Charles Henry, and 
William B. Joyce. Thomas I [art was also expected to be 
one of the honorary pall-bearers, but illness at the last mo- 
ment prevented bis attendance. 

The Park Commission, of which Mr. Sellers was presi- 
dent, attended in a body, and the remains were borne to 
their last resting-place in the family vault in Old St. Peter's 
Church-yard by eight of the Park Guards. 

FELLOW-LAWYERS EULOGI/.i; HIM. 

With bowed heads and sad countenances, many eminent 
jurists and lawyers, railroad magnates, civic officials, and 
men (.f high professional standing in the community sat in 
the Supreme Court chamber to-day and sorrowfully listened 
to and made masterly speeches eulogizing Mr. Sellers. It 
was one of the largesl Bar meetings ever held in the local 
Courts in honor of the memory of a deceased lawyer. 



SELLERS 87 

Attorney Samuel Dickson called the meeting to order 
promptly at half-past eleven o'clock, and made a motion 
that Justice Mitchell, of the Supreme Court, act as presiding 
officer. The motion was unanimously assented to, and Jus- 
tice Mitchell ascended to the bench and took a seat in the 
chair usually occupied by the chief justice. Attorneys 
Henry C. Terry and George Stuart Patterson were ap- 
pointed to act as secretaries of the meeting. 

Justice Mitchell, in stating the purpose for which the meet- 
ing had been called, paid a brief but touching tribute to 
the memory of the deceased, with whom he had enjoyed a 
close friendship for nearly half a century. When the jus- 
tice had resumed his seat, the meeting was addressed by 
Judge Robert N". Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 4, 
who spoke with eloquent feeling in praise of the honorable 
traits and characteristics which distinguished Mr. Sellers as 
a man, and his rare ability and integrity as a lawyer, which 
had won the respect and love of all those who knew him 
intimately, and caused them to feel that in his death they 
have suffered a great and irreparable loss. Judge Willson 
spoke of Mr. Sellers as a lawyer of the old school, who 
never fell kindly into the modern methods of having stenog- 
raphers and typewriters to assist him in his work. He was 
a lawyer who preferred to prepare his own cases, not fond 
of multiplying his references, but very fond of studying the 
principles of the law. The judge said he had often him- 
self found it not only a pleasure but a great benefit to con- 
sult Mr. Sellers for advice, and as long as he lives will never 
forget the invaluable assistance, the kindness, and the wil- 
lingness with which it was extended to him by the deceased. 
Mr. Sellers, he said, was endowed with rare ability and a 
high sense of honor, and other traits of nobility, all tending 
to surround him with a subtle influence impossible to define 
or to describe, but which manifested itself and impressed 
itself upon all those with whom he came in contact. He 
was one of nature's noblemen. 



88 sKLLERS 

Judge Willson was followed by Judge Ashman, of the 
Orphan's Court, who also spoke in the highest terms of the 
deceased lawyer. 

Other speakers who paid glowing tribute to the memory 
of Mr. Sellers, both as a man and a lawyer, were John 
Samuel, George Tucker Bispham, John Cadwalader, and 
General C. H. T. Collis, of the New York Bar. Letters of 
regret were read by Secretary Terry from J. Hay Brown, 
W. U. Hensel, and John G. Johnson. The writers all ex- 
pressed sorrow for their inability to be present and partake 
in the sympathetic meeting of the friends and acquaintances 
of the deceased lawyer. 

The usual resolutions of sympathy and respect were passed 
and will be sent to the family." 

{Evening Bulletin, December 27, 1901.) 
" The funeral of David W. Sellers, President of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission, took place from his residence, 
322 South Tenth Street this afternoon. Services were held 
in St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, Third and Pine 
Streets, the interment being made in the graveyard of the 
old edifice. 

Eight picked men of the Fairmount Park Guards carried 
the casket. The honorary pall-bearers were James T. 
Mitchell, Jas. A. Logan, Samuel Gustine Thompson, Sam- 
uel Dickson, John Cadwalader, George Tucker Bispham, 
Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, S. Davis Page, Victor Guillou, 
John Samuel, General C. H. T. Collis, Silas Pettit, Henry 
Flanders, P. F. Rothermel, Dr. Orville Horwitz, Dr. William 
H. Bennett, Russell Thayer, C. Stuart Patterson, and Wil- 
liam II. Joyce. 

For the purpose of taking action upon Mr. Sellers's death, 
members of the Philadelphia Bar held a meeting in the Su- 
preme Court cli am her before the funeral. The meeting was 
more largely attended than any in the history of the Bar, a 
large cumber of jurists, lawyers, and men of public affairs 
being present. 



SELLEKS 89 

Justice Mitchell, in stating the purpose for which the 
meeting had been called, paid a brief but touching tribute 
to the memory of Mr. Sellers, with whom he had enjoyed 
a close friendship for nearly a half-century. When the jus- 
tice had resumed his seat, the meeting was addressed by 
Judge Robert N". Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 4, 
who spoke in praise of the honorable traits and characteris- 
tics which distinguished Mr. Sellers as a man and his rare 
ability and integrity as a lawyer. Judge Willson spoke of 
Mr. Sellers as a lawyer of the old school who never fell 
kindly into the modern methods of having stenographers 
and typewriters to assist him in his work. The judge said 
that he had often found it a pleasure and a great benefit to 
ask Mr. Sellers's advice, and that he will never forget the 
kindness and willingness with which it was extended to him. 

Judge Willson was followed by Judge Ashman, of the 
Orphan's Court, who also spoke in the highest terms of Mr. 
Sellers. 

The members of the Park Commission also met yester- 
day to take action on the death of their presiding officer. 
Following several addresses, a minute was adopted, in which 
was recited a tribute to Mr. Sellers as a member of the 
Commission and a formal summary of expression of his 
worth as a citizen, lawyer, and public official. 

(Record, December 27, 1901.) 

"At a special meeting of the Fairmount Park Commis- 
sioners yesterday afternoon minutes and resolutions were 
adopted eulogizing their late president, David W. Sellers. 
The following minute was adopted, and will be sent to the 
family of the deceased : 

'As a Commissioner he has left a record for fidelity to 
duty — for earnest, intelligent and effective labor — excelled 
by no member of the Commission since its organization. 

His profound knowledge of the law, his long and honor- 
able connection with the Law Department of the city, gave 



90 SELLERS 

him an especial equipment in meeting questions of law and 
the methods of procedure when presented for the action of 
the Commission. Be was always an intelligent and safe 
counsellor, whose guidance the Commission followed with 
implicit confidence. 

To attempt a formal summary of Ins Labors for the devel- 
opmenl of the people's ureal pleasure-ground would be to 
enumerate nearly every importantwork accomplished during 
his connection with the Commission. He loved Fairmount 
Park, and his unselfish labor in its development was made 
easy to him, as it was a "labor of love." 

He inspired his associates in the discharge of their varied 
duties by his example, his confidence, and his sympathy, 
whilst he endeared himself to all by his kindness and gen- 
tleness of spirit. 

A- a citizen and public official he commanded our confi- 
dence and esteem ; as a man he had our unchanging affec- 
tion.'" 

| Times, December 27, 1901.) 

"The funeral of David W. Sellers will be held to-day in 
St. 1'ctcr's Church, Third and Pine Streets, at 2 o'clock. 
Eight of the Fairmount Park Guards will carry the body to 
its last resting-place, the following men acting as honorary 
pall-bearers: -lames T. Mitchell, dames A. Logan, Samuel 
Gustine Thompson, Samuel Dickson, John Cadwalader, 
Gheorge Tucker Bispham, Colonel A. London Snowden, S. 
Davis Page, Victor Guillou, John Samuel, General C. II. T. 
Collie, Silas Pettit, Henry Flanders, P. F. Rothermel, Dr. 
Orville Horwitz, Dr. William II. Bennett, M. Russell Thayer, 
( '. Smart Patterson, William II. Joyce, and several others 
who have not been heard from as yet. 

For the purpose of taking action on the death of David 
W. Sellers, the late president of the Fairmount Park Com- 
mission, the members of the Commission held a special 
meeting at the City Hall yesterday. After eulogistic re- 
marks had been mad*' a minute was adopted in which was 



SELLERS 91 

recited a tribute to Mr. Sellers as a member of the Park 
Commission and a formal summary of expressions of his 
worth as a citizen, lawyer, and public official.'' 

(Ledger, December 27, 1901.) 

" Several judges and nearly all of the prominent lawyers 
of the city attended the meeting of the Bar Association 
held yesterday in the Supreme Court room to take action 
on the death of David W. Sellers, late president of the 
Park Commission. Justice James T. Mitchell, of the Su- 
preme Court, presided, and George Stuart Patterson and 
Henry 0. Terry acted as secretaries. 

In opening the meeting Justice Mitchell paid a high 
tribute to the dead lawyer, whom he called a dear personal 
friend. Rarely in the past, and possibly never again in the 
future, he said, would the members of the local Bar come 
together with such a sense of personal bereavement as they 
did on the present occasion. 

'Mr. Sellers,' continued the justice, ' was a leader in the 
profession, and his high attainments were recognized by 
every member of the Bar. His personal attributes were 
sources of constant pleasure to those who enjoyed his com- 
panionship. Never was there a time, or place, or gather- 
ing that his coming was not welcomed with the sincerest 
pleasure.' 

ALL EULOGIZED THE DEAD. 

Judge Mitchell was followed in short eulogies by Judge 
Willson, of Common Pleas Court ISTo. 4, and Judge Ash- 
man, of the Orphans' Court. Then John Samuel, a life- 
long friend of Mr. Sellers, and a fellow-student of his in the 
law offices of the late Judge John Cadwalader, read the fol- 
lowing resolution, which was subsequently adopted : 

' The Bar of Philadelphia sincerely mourns the loss of its 
late associate, David W. Sellers. Of great natural intel- 
lectual powers and acquired legal knowledge, a thinker as 
well as a student and scholar, he was yet a wise man of 



02 SELLERS 

affaire, and had by his own unaided efforts obtained for him- 
aelf a position among the highest in the profession. As a 
practitioner he won the respect of the Bench, not less by his 
legal mastery over his cases than by his frank, ingenuous, and 
direct presentation of them. He commanded and enjoyed 
the admiration and personal attachment of his professional 
brethren by his truthfulness, his sincerity, and his fair deal- 
ing. He had no professional jealousy, nothing was more 
pleasing to him than the display of ability by his rivals. 
His civic virtues and wise judgment and usefulness as a citi- 
zen are attested by the great number of public and char- 
itable organizations which sought his services as a manager. 
While the memory of his intellectual achievements may by 
time and the immediate presence of similar qualities become 
somewhat dim, the Bar of Philadelphia cannot forget, but 
will always cherish the recollection of his amiable kindness 
and endearing charm.' 

Mr. Samuel supplemented the resolution with an interest- 
ing biographical sketch of his dead friend, filled with tender 
references to Mr. Sellers's high character, kindliness of dis- 
position, and legal acquirements. 

The personal charm of the lawyer who had passed away, 
his geniality and his public services were referred to in an 
earnest and eloquent manner. In connection with his public 
services, Mr. Samuel said that one of the greatest disappoint- 
ments of Mr. Sellers's life was the failure of his plan to ac- 
quire the ground to the left and right of the south front of 
City Hall extending to Chestnut Street for a public flower 
market, which should be open in the mornings, and which 
should also be a grand plaza for gatherings of the people. 

OTHER ADDRESSES. 

Brief addresses, all full of feeling, were made by George 
Tucker Bispham, General C. IT. T. Collis, formerly of this 
city, now of New York, and John Cadwalader. Mr. Cad- 
walader referred to his acquaintance with Mr. Sellers in his 



SELLERS 93 

student days, and repeated compliments paid by Judge Cad- 
walader, Mr. Sellers's preceptor in the law, to the young 
advocate. Mr. Cadwalader praised Mr. Sellers for his un- 
selfish devotion to duty, his high moral courage, and his 
independence. In illustration, he said that Mr. Sellers be- 
came and remained a Democrat when it required courage to 
espouse and maintain the principles of that party, surrounded 
as he was by its opponents. 

Among the members of the judiciary at the meeting, in 
addition to those already mentioned, were Judges Penny- 
packer, Sulzberger, McCarthy, and Audenried, of the Com- 
mon Pleas Courts. Among the lawyers were Richard C. 
Dale, former Judges Dimner Beeber and Thomas R. Elcock, 
John Hampton Barnes, Assistant City Solicitor James 
Alcorn, District Attorney-elect John Weaver, William H. 
Staake, Alexander Simpson, Jr., Wendell P. Bowman, 
Sheriff Wencel Hartman, and R. 0. Moon. Letters of re- 
gret were read from John G. Johnson, Ex- Attorney General 
W. U. Hensel, and J. Hay Brown. 

FUNERAL OF MR. SELLERS. 

Funeral services over the body of Mr. Sellers were 
held yesterday afternoon in St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal 
Church, at Third and Pine Streets, and the interment was 
in the graveyard attached to the church. Many prominent 
citizens were present. The floral tributes that had been 
sent to the home of the dead lawyer, at Tenth and Pine 
Streets, were taken to the vault in the church-yard and 
placed over the marble covering. The Rev. Richard H. 
Nelson, rector of the church, conducted the service. 

When the funeral cortege arrived at the church-yard gate- 
way it was met by the following Park Guards, who carried 
the coffin into the house of worship : George Brode, James 
C. Barrett, Edward Patterson, W. A. Stackhouse, Hiram 
Webb, James Perkinson, A. Magnin, and H. D. Coyle. 
The honorary pall-bearers were Judge James A. Logan, 



94 SELLERS 

Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, Samuel Dickson, C. Stuart 
Patterson, Ex-Judge Samuel (-Justine Thompson, John Cad- 
walader, Judge James T. Mitchell, Sussex D. Davis, Victor 
Guillou, Silas W. Pettit, P. F. Rothermel, Jr., General Rus- 
sell Thayer, William II. Joyce, George Tucker Bispham, 
S. Davis rage, Dr. Orville Horwitz, John Samuel, General 
C. II. T. Collis, Dr. William H. Bennett, and Charles W. 
Eenry. Among others present were the members of the 
Park Commission, representatives of the Bar and of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad, Mayor Ashbridge, and Ex-Mayor 
Warwick." 

( Times, December 28, 1901.) 

" The funeral services over David W. Sellers, late presi- 
dent of the Fairmount Park Commission, were held yes- 
terday afternoon at 2 o'clock in St. Peter's Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, Third and Pine Streets. Rev. Richard H. 
Nelson, rector of the church, conducted the services, after 
which interment was made in the cemetery adjoining. There 
wcit.- many floral tributes, and the church was filled with 
tViii ids of the dead lawyer. 

The casket was borne by eight picked men of the Fair- 
mount Park Guards. The honorary pall-bearers were : 

James T. Mitchell. General C. H. T. Collis. 

James A. Logan. Silas W. Pettit. 

Samuel G. Thompson. Henry Flanders. 

Samuel Dickson. P. F. Rothermel. 

George Tucker Bispham. Dr. Orville Horwitz. 

Colonel A. L. Snowden. Dr. William II. Bennett. 

S. Davis Page. Russell Thayer. 

Victor Guillon. C. Stuart Patterson. 

•Tolin Samuel. William II. Joyce. 

Trior to the funeral services the members of the Phila- 
delphia Bar held aspecial meeting for the purpose of talcing 
appropriate action upon Mr. Sellers's death. It was the 



SELLERS 95 

most largely attended meeting of the Bar which has been 
held in recent years. Eminent jurists, railroad magnates, 
and high civic officials gathered in the Supreme Court 
chamber to eulogize the departed lawyer. 

Judge Mitchell presided and paid a touching tribute to 
the life of Mr. Sellers, with whom he had been associated 
for many years. Justice Mitchell was followed by Judge 
Robert N. Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 4, who 
eulogized the many traits and characteristics which made 
Mr. Sellers famous at the Bar. Judge Willson said that 
Mr. Sellers was a member of the old school and never took 
kindly to the innovation of having the assistance of stenog- 
raphers and typewriters to prepare his cases, preferring to 
do all the work himself. Judge Willson was followed by 
Judge Ashman, of the Orphans' Court, John Samuel, 
George Tucker Bispham, John Cadwalader, and General 
C. H. T. Collis, of the New York Bar." 

{Record, December 28, 1901.) 

" Many eminent jurists, lawyers, railroad and municipal 
officials gathered yesterday in the Supreme Court chamber 
to pay tribute to the high professional and personal charac- 
ter of David W. Sellers. It was one of the largest Bar 
meetings ever held in this city, and was called to order by 
Samuel Dickson, who nominated Justice Mitchell, of the 
Supreme Court, for presiding officer. Attorneys Henry C. 
Terry and George S. Patterson were made secretaries. 

Justice Mitchell, in stating the purpose for which the 
meeting had been called, paid a brief but touching tribute 
to the memory of the deceased, with whom he had enjoyed 
a close friendship for nearly half a century. 

JUDGE WILLSON'S TRIBUTE. 

Judge Robert N. Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 
4, spoke eloquently in praise of the honorable traits and 
characteristics which distinguished Mr. Sellers as a man, 



96 SELLERS 

ami his rare ability and integrity as a lawyer, which won 
the respect and love of all those who knew him intimately. 
Judge Willson spoke of Mr. Sellers as a lawyer of the old 
school, who never fell kindly into the modern methods of 
having stenographers and typewriters to assist him in his 
work. He was a lawyer who preferred to prepare his own 
cases, not fond of multiplying his references, but very fond 
of studying the principles of law. The Judge said he had 
often himself found it not only a pleasure but a great benefit 
to consult Mr. Sellers. 

Judge Ashman, of the Orphans' Court, was the next 
speaker, and he was succeeded by John Samuel, George 
Tucker Bispham, John Cadwalader, and General C. H. T. 
Collis. Letters of regret were read from J. Hay Brown, 
W. U. Ilensel, and John G. Johnson. 

THE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED. 

The following resolution was offered by Attorney Samuel 
and unanimously adopted : 

1 The Bar of Philadelphia sincerely mourns the loss of 
their late associate, David W. Sellers. Of great natural 
intellectual powers and acquired legal knowledge, a thinker 
as well as a student and scholar, he was yet a wise man of 
affairs, and had by his own unaided efforts obtained for 
himself a position among the highest in the profession. 
As a practitioner he won the respect of the Bench not less 
by his legal mastery over his cases than by his frank, ingen- 
uous and direct presentation of them. He commanded and 
enjoyed the admiration and personal attachment of his pro- 
fessional brethren by his truthfulness, his sincerity, and his 
fair dealing. He had no professional jealousy ; nothing was 
more pleasing to him than the display of ability by his 
rivals. His civic virtues and wise judgment and usefulness 
as a citizen are attested by the great number of public and 
charitable organizations which sought his Bervicea as a 
manager. While the memory of his intellectual achieve- 



SELLERS 97 

ments may by time and the immediate presence of similar 
qualities become somewhat dim, the Bar of Philadelphia 
cannot forget, but will always cherish the recollection of 
his amiable kindness and endearing charm.' 

MR. SELLERS'S FUNERAL. 

Men prominent in every walk of life attended the funeral 
of Mr. Sellers, yesterday afternoon, at St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, Third and Pine Streets. The ceremonies 
were simple but impressive, consisting only of the Episcopal 
burial service, read by Rev. Richard H. Nelson, of St. 
Peter's, and the singing of ' Nearer, My God, to Thee' and 
' Abide with Me,' by the choir. 

The body was then carried to its last resting-place in the 
old graveyard of the church by a detail of Park Guards, 
consisting of James C. Barrett, A. Magnin, William Stack- 
house, E. D. Patterson, Hiram Webb, and Henry Coyle. 
The honorary pall-bearers were : Justice James T. Mitchell, 
James A. Logan, ex-Justice Samuel Gustine Thompson, 
Samuel Dickson, John Cadwalader, Colonel A. Loudon 
Snowden, George Tucker Bispham, S. Davis Page, Sussex 
D. Davis, Victor Gillou, Silas W. Pettit, John Samuel, 
General C. H. T. Collis, Dr. Orville Horwitz, Dr. William 
H. Bennett, C. Stuart Patterson, P. F. Rothermel, General 
Russell Thayer, Charles W. Henry, and William H. Joyce." 

(Press, December 28, 1901.) 

" The funeral of David W. Sellers, president of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission, took place yesterday afternoon at 
2 o'clock. Services were held in St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, at Third and Pine Streets, and interment 
was made in the Finnix Stretcher family vault in the church- 
yard. The Protestant Episcopal service for the dead was 
read by the Rev. Richard H. Nelson. 

The honorary pall-bearers were James A. Logan, Colonel 
A. Loudon Snowden, Samuel Dickson, C. Stuart Patterson, 

7 



08 SELLERS 

ex-Judge Samuel Gustine Thompson, John Cadwalader, 
Judge J. T. Mitchell, Sussex D. Davis, Victor Guillou, 
Silas W. Pettit, T. F. Rothermel, General Russell Thayer, 
William II. Joyce, George Tucker Bispham, S. Davis Page, 
Dr. Orville Horwitz, General C. H. T. Collie, Dr. William 
II. Bennett, John Samuel, and Charles W. Henry. 

The Park Commission, accompanied hy Mayor Ash- 
bridge, attended in a body, and many of the older members 
of the Bar came to pay their last respects. 

Park Guards H. D. Coyle, George Brode, James C. Bar- 
rett, Edward Patterson, W. A. Stackhouse, Hiram Webb, 
James Perkinson, and A. Magnin carried the coffin from 
the church to the grave-side. 

The members of the Philadelphia Bar held a meeting in 
the Supreme Court chamber yesterday at 11.30 o'clock to 
take action on the death of Mr. Sellers. It was one of the 
largest meetings ever held by the local Bar. Justice 
Mitchell presided, and Henry C. Terry and George Stuart 
Patterson acted as secretaries. 

Justice Mitchell paid a tribute to the memory of the de- 
ceased, with whom he had enjoyed a warm friendship for 
nearly half a century. 

Judge Robert N. Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 4, 
spoke of the honorable traits and characteristics which dis- 
tinguished Mr. Sellers as a man, and his ability and integrity 
as a lawyer. He referred to Mr. Sellers as a lawyer of the 
old school, one who preferred to prepare his own cases ; not 
fond of multiplying references, but fond of studying the 
principles of the law. Judge Willson said he himself had 
often found it not only a pleasure but a great benefit to con- 
sult Mr. Sellers. 

John Samuel said, ' I think I may, without exaggera- 
tion, truly say that to our Bar, to each one of us, the loss of 
David W. Sellers has come more in the sense of a personal 
bereavement than would that of any other of our associates. 
This has arisen, not so much from admiration of his profes- 



SELLERS 99 

sional acquirements and achievements, which were many 
and important, but by reason of the attractive personal 
charm of his character, which made all association with 
him — even the contests of the legal arena — moments of 
satisfaction and pleasure.' After reviewing Mr. Sellers's 
public career, the speaker closed with a high tribute to his 
amiable disposition and kindliness of character. 

Others who delivered eulogies were George Tucker 
Bispham, John Cadwalader, and General C. H. T. Collis, of 
New York. The following resolution, introduced by Mr. 
Samuel, was adopted : 

' The Bar of Philadelphia sincerely mourns the loss of 
their late associate, David W. Sellers. Of great natural 
intellectual powers and acquired legal knowledge, a thinker 
as well as a student and scholar, he was yet a wise man of 
affairs, and had by his own unaided efforts obtained for 
himself a position among the highest in the profession. As 
a practitioner he won the respect of the Bench, not less by 
his legal mastery over his cases than by his frank, ingenu- 
ous, and direct presentation of them. He commanded and 
enjoyed the admiration and personal attachment of his pro- 
fessional brethren by his truthfulness, his sincerity, and his 
fair dealing. He had no professional jealousy ; nothing was 
more pleasing to him than the display of ability by his 
rivals. His civic virtues and wise judgment and usefulness 
as a citizen are attested by the great number of public and 
charitable organizations which sought his services as a 
manager. While the memory of his intellectual achieve- 
ments may by time and the immediate presence of similar 
qualities become somewhat dim, the Bar of Philadelphia 
cannot forget, but will always cherish the recollection of 
his amiable kindness and endearing charm." 

(Inquirer, December 28, 1901.) 
" Men prominent in all walks of life assembled at old St. 
Peter's Church yesterday afternoon to pay the last tribute 

LofC. 



100 SELLERS 

of respect to the memory of the late David W. Sellers. 
The funeral services were conducted according to the 
solemn ritual of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Rev. 
Richard H. Nelson, rector of St. Peter's, was in charge of 
the exercises. A special feature of the church observance 
was the singing by the choir of ' Abide with Me' and 
' Nearer, my God, to Thee.' 

The honorary pall-bearers consisted of the following: 
James T. Mitchell, James A. Logan, Samuel Gustine 
Thompson, Samuel Dickson, John Cadwalader, Colonel A. 
Loudon Snowden, George Tucker Bispham, S. Davis Page, 
Sussex D. Davis, Victor Gillou, Silas Pettit, John Samuel, 
General C. II. T. Collis, Dr. Orville Horwitz, Dr. William 
H. Bennett, C. Stuart Patterson, P. Fred. Rothermel, 
General Russell Thayer, Charles W. Henry, and William 
H. Joyce. The Fairmount Park Commission, of which 
Mr. Sellers was president, attended the funeral in a body. 
Eight sturdy Park Guards bore the remains to their last 
resting-place in the family vault, situated in St. Peter's 
church-yard. 

A memorial meeting was held in Supreme Court room at 
the City Hall in the morning, where jurists, lawyers, rail- 
road magnates, city officials, and men high in professional 
and business life joined in honoring Mr. Sellers's memory. 
Justice Mitchell presided, and Henry C. Terry and George 
Stuart Patterson acted as secretaries. Addresses eulogistic 
of the deceased were made by Judge Robert N. Willson, of 
Common Pleas Court No. 4 ; Judge William N. Ashman, 
of the Orphans' Court; John Samuel, George Tucker 
Bispham, John Cadwalader, and General C. H. T. Collis. 

Mr. Samuel offered appropriate resolutions, which were 
unanimously adopted, and will be forwarded to Mr. Sellers's 
family. The feeling of the Philadelphia Bar was voiced by 
Mr. Samuel, who rapidly sketched the career of the de- 
ceased and paid a high tribute to his worth as a lawyer 
and as a man." 



SELLERS 101 

(North American, December 28, 1901.) 

" The funeral of David W. Sellers was held at St. Peter's 
Church, Fourth and Pine Streets, at 2 o'clock yesterday. 
The Episcopal burial service was read by the pastor, the 
Rev. Richard H. ]STelson, D.D. The members of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission, of which he was president, at- 
tended the services in a body. Mayor Ashbridge, ex- 
Mayor "Warwick, Judge Arnold, ex-Collector of the Port 
John R. Reid, Representative David S. B. Chew, ex-Con- 
gressman "William McAleer, and ex-Superintendent of Park 
Commission Russell Thayer were also present. The inter- 
ment was in the yard of St. Peter's Church. 

A detachment of Park Guards was detailed by Captain 
Chasteau to act as pall-bearers. 

The honorary pall-bearers were James T. Mitchell, 
James A. Logan, Samuel G. Thompson, Samuel Dickson, 
Sussex D. Davis, Victor Gillou, Silas Pettit, P. F. Rother- 
mel, C. S. Patterson, Russell Thayer, John Cadwalader, 
George Tucker Bispham, Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, S. 
Davis Page, Dr. O. Horwitz, John Samuel, General C. 
H. T. Collis, Dr. William H. Bennett, and Charles W. 
Henry. 

Justice Mitchell, of the Supreme Court, presided at a 
meeting of the Bar, which was held yesterday forenoon, to 
take action upon Mr. Sellers's death. Attorneys Henry C. 
Terry and George Stuart Patterson were secretaries. 

The attendance embraced men prominent in varied pro- 
fessions and occupations, besides many public officials. 
Eulogistic addresses were made by Justice Mitchell ; Judge 
Robert N. "Willson, of Common Pleas Court No. 4 ; Judge 
Ashman, of the Orphans' Court; John Samuel, George 
Tucker Bispham, John Cadwalader, and General C. H. T. 
Collis, of New York. 

Appropriate resolutions, offered by Mr. Samuel, were 
adopted by a rising vote." 



102 SELLERS 

(From the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Direc- 
tors of the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, held January 
9, 1902.) 

"Resolved, by the Directors of the Zoological Society, 
that in the death of David W. Sellers the Board has suffered 
the loss of a wise and faithful counsellor, and of a friend 
whose genial presence was welcomed by each of its members 
at their meetings. 

Mr. Sellers's interest in the Gardens began with their 
opening, and as a friend, as a Commissioner of Fairmount 
Park, and finally as a Director, he must always be remem- 
bered as among the first of those who have rendered signal 
service to the Society." 

Remarks of Hon. William M. Bunn, delivered at a dinner 
of the Clover Club, January 17, 1902 : 

" Mr. President, — It has fallen to my lot to pronounce 
a brief, Clover Club eulogy upon the life and character of 
one whom we miss and mourn. I could fervently wish I 
were better equipped for the mournful, precious, sacred 
privilege. I have never before, as now r , realized the poverty 
of my knowledge of our language when I strive, in vain, to 
find words worthy of the dear friend, brother, lawyer, 
statesman, David W. Sellers. You who knew him in life, 
as I did, sympathize with me in the hopeless effort. His 
life will always be for us an unspoken sermon, a song un- 
sung. There was something — much — in the life and char- 
acter of David Sellers that marked him as a pioneer of 
human progress. A man whose gaze was upward, whose 
trend was onward, and whose feet firmly pressed the steep, 
stony ascent among the leaders of the great procession. 
He led by the earnestness of his own vigorous ability. He 
was no plodder, nor yet did he bear the laurel crown of 
genius, — a plain, earnest, enduring, sympathetic character 
who wills to do right; whose imperious will inspires a faith 
in his intimates that laughs at difficulty and dares the im- 



SELLERS 103 

possible. We can bear universal testimony to that phase 
of his life ; where can we find words to express the charm 
of that cheerful, sunny nature that singled him out and 
distinguished him from all his compeers ? I have never 
seen that influence, by which duty is lightened, toil tem- 
pered, and responsibility sweetened, so pronounced in any 
other man. His was, indeed, a strong nature, secure in its 
own integrity and strength, whose beacon was duty, whose 
goal was truth. His very countenance was an inspiration 
of faith, a native sunlight that dissipated gloom, as the 
dayspring of heaven disperses darkness and dispels clouds 
and lifts the expanded horizon to zenith, leaving Aurora's 
pink-tinted finger-prints upon the frowning front of high 
Olympus. 

It is to such a career as that of David Sellers I would 
point as solving the problem, "What is life, what is death, 
what is immortality ? As exemplifying where the finite 
ends and the infinite begins, where immortality verges into 
fame and fame becomes a sanctified, abiding, deathless 
memory ! And, thank God, memory is immortal. Death 
the victor over mortality has no dominion there. Paradise 
holds the immortal spirit and humanity the memory as its 
priceless heritage. He whose absence we mourn, whose 
presence I seem to feel, chiselled his own epitaph, wrote his 
own obituary every day he lived ; wrote it on the tablet of 
grateful hearts, chiselled it, letter by letter, word by word, 
upon Memory's imperishable cenotaph. Time cannot dim 
it, envy cannot mar it. The grief we feel, the tears that 
come unbidden, are but mortality's tribute to the heroic 
soul predestined to immortal memory. Though the heart 
rebels, we realize that in his case it is triumph, not tears, 
that is the fitting tribute to the bier of one whose back 
foeman never saw, whom rest nor sleep never won from 
duty, whom nothing could divert from friendship, nor sever 
from love. 

The clover-blossoms will bend their bright heads and 



104 SELLERS 

pour their matin oblations, gathered from the dews of 
night, sweetened and perfumed by the fragrance of their own 
nectar, over the grave of Dave Sellers, who sleeps his last 
sleep there ; so let us pour this libation to the memory of one 
of earth's gentlest, most unselfish sons ; one of friendship's 
heroic hostages of faith, love's tenderest incarnation, — a 
man whose life filled the measure of time, whose memory 
fills immeasurable infinity." 

"The Law Academy of Philadelphia. 
Philadelphia, January 21, 1902. 
My dear Sir : 

I beg to inform you, and through you, the family of our 
deceased Vice-Provost, that at the last regular meeting of 
the Law Academy, the following resolution was unani- 
mously agreed to : 

1 In the death of David W. Sellers, Esquire, the community 
is deprived of an honored and useful citizen, and the Bar 
of Philadelphia of one of its most distinguished members. 

An especial loss is sustained by the Law Academy of 
Philadelphia in the absence of one who for nearly fifteen 
years was a Vice-Provost of the Society. By his example 
and kindly precept he always encouraged the younger men 
of the Bar to strive to attain the highest standard of profes- 
sional worth. It is with deep regret that the members con- 
template the severance of ties, the result of a long associa- 
tion with one who commanded their entire respect and 
their warmest attachment. 

Yours very truly, 

Franz Ehrlich, Jr., 

Sewetary. 
Edwin J. Sellers, Esq." 

"At a meeting of the Law Association of Philadelphia, 
held on March fourth, 1902, the following minute upon the 
death of Mr. David "W". Sellers, which was offered and read 
by Mr. John Samuel, was unanimously adopted, ordered to 



SELLERS 105 

be spread upon the minutes, and a copy thereof sent to the 
family of Mr. Sellers. 

' David W. Sellers was the Vice-Chancellor of this Asso- 
ciation from his election on December 5, 1899, to his 
death, which took place on December 24 last. He was 
born on May 11, 1833, and was admitted to the Bar on 
his twenty-first birthday, in 1854. He became Assistant 
City Solicitor in 1858, and remained in that office for eight 
years. He soon rose to high rank in his profession and 
was engaged in much important litigation in this county, 
chiefly in municipal and corporate interests. His judicious 
advice was much sought for as manager and director in 
many public boards and private charities. He was a 
member of the Fairmount Park Commission, director in 
the Zoological Society, and other associations for the public 
welfare. His personal character and charming disposition 
procured for him the universal affection of the Bar of 
Philadelphia, It can be truly said of him that in all the an- 
tagonisms of our calling he made no enemy. His wonderful 
consideration for the opinions and infirmities of others, and 
his unfailing cheerfulness made him the delight of all Bar 
assemblages either for business or pleasure. And he has 
left a memory of happy hours and pleasant associations 
which will not easily fade.' 

Sam'l Dickson, 

Chancellor. 
Attest : 

Wm. C. Ferguson, 

Secretary." 

The following appeared in the Report of the Board of 
Managers of the Sons of the Revolution at a meeting held 
April 3, 1902 : 

"David Wampole Sellers, one of Philadelphia's most 
distinguished lawyers, died December 24, 1901. He was 
born in Philadelphia, May 11, 1833, and was educated in 



106 SELLERS 

the public schools of this city, and subsequently graduated 
at the High School. He read law with Judge Cadwalader, 
and was admitted to the Bar in May, 1854. He was chief 
assistant in the City Solicitor's office for eight successive 
years, and for a decade he handled and disposed of many of 
the most important cases affecting Philadelphia's interests. 
On May 8, 1876, he was appointed a member of the Fair- 
mount Park Commission, of which he was elected Presi- 
dent on December 8, 1899. In 1865 he became the counsel 
of the Union Passenger Railway Company, the Chestnut 
and Walnut, the Continental, and other street railway com- 
panies ; in 1879 of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; 
in 1880 of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore 
Railroad Company, the Northern Central Railway Com- 
pany, and the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company, 
all of which he represented at his death. On December 5, 
1899, he was elected Vice-Chancellor of the Law Associa- 
tion of Philadelphia. He was also Vice-Provost of the Law 
Academy of Philadelphia, which positions he held at the 
time of his death. Mr. Sellers was perhaps best known for 
his work in connection with the Park Commission, in which 
he always evinced a profound interest in any matter which 
concerned the Park, and largely through his influence is 
due the enlarging and beautifying which Fairmount Park 
has received since the Centennial year. As a lawyer, how- 
ever, Mr. Sellers ranked among the first, and few men at 
the Bar will be more missed than Mr. Sellers, who had a 
host of strong and earnest friends. 

It was the high regard for his fairness and astuteness that 
caused him to be sent by the Democratic National Com- 
mittee to Florida in 1876 to represent the Democratic 
electors of that State before the Returning Board in the 
famous Tilden-Hayes contest for the Presidency of the 
United States. 

In his social relations he was a member of the Lawyers' 
Club, the Rittenhouse Club, the Clover Club, the Historical 



SELLERS 107 

Society of Pennsylvania, the Young Men's Democratic 
Association, of which he was president for several years, 
and a member of the Zoological Society, and for several 
years its president. As a member of the Society he always 
displayed an interest and rarely was absent from its celebra- 
tions." 

[Inquirer, October 11, 1902.) 

" The collection of portraits belonging to the Law Library 
at City Hall will to-day be augmented by the addition of a 
portrait of the late David W. Sellers. The work is a life- 
size head, painted by Albert Rosenthal, and is an excellent 
likeness of this well-known Philadelphian. 

It is the gift to the library of "William H. Staake, chair- 
man of the Literary Committee, and it will be installed in 
the library room this afternoon, at a meeting of the Literary 
Committee, when a portrait of the late John C. Bullitt, 
painted by Robert Vonnoh, will also be hung among the 
other portraits of distinguished lawyers owned by the 
library." 

Conveyances recorded at Philadelphia. 

Liber J. T. O., No. 275, folio 261 : 

Aug. 31, 1869. Lucius H. Scott, of Bucks Co., Pa., 
Trustee for Harriet R. Landreth, wife of Oliver Landreth, 
of Phila., Nurseryman and Seedsman, of first part, the said 
Harriet R, Landreth of second part, to David W. Sellers, 
of Phila., Atty. at Law, of third part. Conveyance of 322 
So. Tenth St., Phila. 

Liber D. H. L., No. 24, folio 39 : 

Dec. 18, 1875. Benjamin Crabtree and wife to same. 
Conveyance of 265 Susquehanna Ave., Phila. 

Liber J. O. D., No. 72, folio 269 : 

Dec. 16, 1882. Edwin E. Sellers, U. S. Army, and Olive, 
his wife, to same. Conveyance of undivided interest in 
premises S. side of Callowhill, W. from W. side of 13th 



108 SELLERS 

St., Phila. Property derived from their father, Samuel 
Sellers. 

Liber G. G. P., No. 12, folio 42 : 

Dec. 31, 1884. Isaac Elwell, of Phila., Atty-at-Law, to 
same. Conveyance of 238 Raspberry Alley, 219, 221, and 
223 Vandeveer St., Phila., being the same which D. "W. 
Sellers and wife conveyed to the said Elwell Dec. 30, 1884. 
See Liber G. G. P., No. 13, folio 23. 

Liber G. G. P., No. 305, folio 255 : 

Oct. 18, 1887. Edwin Jaquett Sellers, of Phila., Student, 
to same. Conveyance of 317 South Sixth St. Phila., being 
the same which D. W. Sellers and wife conveyed to E. J. 
Sellers Oct. 14, 1887. See Liber G. G. P., No. 305, folio 
249. 

Ibid., folio 257. 

Oct. 18, 1887. Same to same. Conveyance of property 
N. side of Filbert St., 34 ft. E. from E. side of 13th. 

Liber A. D. B., No. 148, folio 392 : 

Dec. 24, 1858. David W. Sellers, of Phila., and Anna 
Frances, his wife, to Edward Laing of Bristol township, 
Bucks Co., Pa. Conveyance of certain property which 
Charles Faust and wife conveyed to said Sellers by deed of 
July 30, 1858, recorded in Liber A. D. B.,No. 22, folio 421. 

Liber F. T. W., No. 164, folio 270 : 

Nov. 7, 1874. Same to City of Phila, Conveyance of 
E. side of 12th St, bet. Ogden and Myrtle Sts. Land pur- 
chased by D. W. Sellers at sheriff's sale. . 

Liber W. M. G., No. 16, folio 104 : 

Jan. 11, 1896. Same to Charles J. Cohen. Conveyance 
of Filbert St. property. 

The will of Mr. Sellers, on file at Philadelphia, is as 
follows : 

" I David Wampole Sellers publish this for my last will 
and testament. I devise my real estate to my wife for life 
and at her death the income to my children then living 
until all shall haw attained the age of Twenty Five years 



SELLERS 109 

at which time it shall vest in them share and share alike. 
No grandchild however to take hereunder. I bequeath my 
household goods and apparel and silver absolutely to my 
wife without inventory or appraisement and appoint her 
guardian of my children. I appoint the Guarantee Trust 
and Safe Deposit Company my executor and bequeath all 
my personal estate not hereinbefore disposed of to it, in 
trust to pay the income thereof to my wife and upon her 
death the income to my children then living until all shall 
have attained the age of Twenty Five years at which time 
it shall be distributed equally. No grandchild however to 
take hereunder. In witness whereof I have hereto put my 
hand this 31st day of August 1880. 

David W. Sellers. 

If I shall die owning 322 South 10th Street, I direct my 
Executor soon as the sums due on policies of insurance on 
my life are paid, to liquidate the mortgages existing against 
said house. 

David W. Sellers. 

June 21, 1882. 

I bequeath to my only son Edwin Jaquett Sellers abso- 
lutely without inventory or appraisement all of my books 
in addition to his distributive share as a child. 

David W. Sellers. 
September 19, 1887. 

I direct my estate to vest in fee and absolutely in my 
children and their children if the parent is dead per stirpes. 

David "W. Sellers. 

May llth, 1891." 

The will was probated December 28, 1901. The execu- 
tor's account was adjudicated January 9, 1903. The pro- 
ceeding is of October Term, 1902, No. 611. 



110 SELLERS 

David Wampole Sellers and Anna Frances, his wife, had 
issue : 

45. Anna Frances, born at Phila., Aug. 16, 1859; 

married, at the residence of her father, by 
the Rev. Samuel Gregory Lyons, Rector of 
the Church of the Beloved Disciple, New 
York, N. Y., to Edward Page Vogels, Apr. 
21, 1892. He was born at Phila., Apr. 2, 
1855. Issue: 

53. Eleanor Stockton, born at Atlantic 

City, K J., Sep. 19, 1896. 

54. David Sellers, born at Atlantic City, 

K J., June 20, 1900. 

46. Elizabeth Louisa, born at Phila., Mar. 21, 1861. 

47. Mary, born at Phila., Dec. 31, 1862; married, 

at St. Peter's, Phila., by the Rev. J. Lewis 
Parks, D.D., to George Howard Stirling, of 
Baltimore County, Md., June 3, 1895. He 
was born April 25, 1860. They reside at 
Garrison Station, Green Spring Valley, Bal- 
timore Co., Md. Issue : 

55. David Sellers, born at Garrison Sta- 

tion, Aug. 16, 1896. 

56. Philip Sellers, born at same place, 

June 1, 1898. 

57. Francis Elder, born at same place, 

Jan. 21, 1901. 

48. Florence, born at Phila., Apr. 22, 1864; mar- 

ried, at St. Peter's, Phila., by the Rev. 
Thomas F. Davies, D.D., to Marcellus, son of 
Ferdinand Coxe and Frances F. Cochrane, 
of Phila., June 2, 1885. Issue : 

58. Francis Travis, born at Phila., Mar. 

13, 1889. 

49. Edwin Jaquett. 



SELLERS 111 

50. Charles Jaquett, born at Phila., Mar. 21, 1867; 

died Feb. 9, 1868; buried at St. Peter's, 
Phila. 

51. Sydney Jaquett, born at Phila., jSTov. 29, 1868; 

educated at Protestant Episcopal Academy, 
the late Henry Hobart Brown's De Lancey 
School, both in Phila., and the year preced- 
ing his death was a student in the Depart- 
ment of Science, University of Pennsylvania ; 
died at Atlantic City, K J., Aug. 21, 1887 ; 
buried at St. Peter's, Phila., Aug. 24, 1887. 
62. Agnes, born at Phila., July 21, 1873. 

VI. 49. Edwin Jaquett Sellers, son of David Wampole 
Sellers (40) and Anna Frances Jaquett, was born at Phila- 
delphia, July 25, 1865. He received his school education 
at Mrs. Crawford's Boarding School at Fox Chase, Rugby 
Academy, Protestant Episcopal Academy, and the late 
Henry Hobart Brown's. He was graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania June 15, 1886, with degree of 
Bachelor of Arts. Upon his graduation he was registered 
as a student-at-law under the preceptorship of his father, 
and was graduated from the Department of Law of the 
University of Pennsylvania, June 5, 1889, with degree of 
Bachelor of Laws, at which time he also received the de- 
gree of Master of Arts. He was admitted to the Phila- 
delphia Bar June 15, 1889, and was associated with his 
father in practice until the latter's death. He assisted in 
the compilation of Vol. H of the " Statutes at Large of 
Pennsylvania from 1681-1801," published in 1896, and is 
mentioned in the preface. He compiled the " Account of 
the Jaudon Family," 1890 ; " Genealogy of the Jaquett 
Family," 1896; "Genealogy of the Kollock Family, of 
Sussex County, Delaware," 1897; "Captain John Avery, 
President Judge at the Whorekill in Delaware Bay, and 
his Descendants," 1899 ; "Allied Families of Delaware," 



112 SELLERS 

1901 ; and assisted in the compilation of the "Wayne Gene- 
alogy, contained in " Some Colonial Mansions and those 
who lived in them," recently published by Henry T. Coates 
& Co., Philadelphia. 

Upon attaining his majority he became a Democrat. He 
was a member of the Executive Committee of the Seventh 
Ward; candidate for Common Council from the same 
ward; candidate for Clerk of the Quarter Sessions, for 
which latter positions, however, he was defeated ; elected a 
Director of the Seventh School Section, Feb. 19, 1895; 
delegate to the National Convention in 1896, at Indianapo- 
lis, which nominated Palmer and Buckner for President 
and Vice-President; and delegate in 1898 to the Conven- 
tion to revise the rules of the Democratic party in Philadel- 
phia. He was several years a member of the Young Men's 
Democratic Association. In 1899, however, he voted for 
McKinley, and has since been affiliated with the Republi- 
can party. 

He is a member of the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania, 
Society of Descendants of Colonial Governors, Pennsylvania 
Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America, 
Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Delaware, Pennsyl- 
vania Society of the Sons of the Revolution, Minnesota 
Society of American Wars, Pennsylvania Commandery of 
the Order of the Loyal Legion, Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Cor- 
responding Member of the Buffalo Historical Society, 
Pennsylvania-German Society, Society of the Alumni of 
the University of Pennsylvania, University Club of Phila- 
delphia, Honorary Member of the University Barge Club 
of Philadelphia, Delta Phi Fraternity, Sharswood Law 
Club, Law Academy of Philadelphia, Law Association of 
Philadelphia, Philobiblon Club of Philadelphia, Philadel- 
phia Country Club, and Atlantic City Country Club. 

At the death of his father he became associated with J. 
Howard Rhoads, Esq., and under the firm-name of Sellers 



SELLERS 113 

& Rhoads succeeded his father as Solicitor of the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad Company, the appointment of their firm 
taking effect as of January 1, 1902. 

June 6, 1894, he was married, at St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, by the Rev. J. Lewis 
Parks, D.D., Rector, to Blanche Bingham, daughter of 
Michael Ehret and Ellen Cathcart, of Philadelphia. She 
was born at Philadelphia, October 15, 1871. They have 
issue : 

59. Ellen Jaquett, born at 1830 Pine St., Phila., 

March 6, 1895; bap. at St. Peter's, Dec. 1, 

1895. 

V. 43. Edwin Elias Sellers, son of Samuel Sellers 
(30) and Barbara Ann Wampole, was born at Philadel- 
phia, March 3, 1840 ; he was graduated at the High 
School, Phila., July, 1856; married at St. James' Church, 
Batavia, New York, October 20, 1869, by Rev. George F. 
Plummer, to Olive Lay, daughter of John Foote, of Ba- 
tavia, and Georgiana Knox Beebe. The record of his mili- 
tary services, according to his commissions and "Records 
of Living Officers of the United States Army," by L. R. 
Hamersly & Co., Phila., is as follows : 

Appointed second lieutenant, Tenth Infantry, Oct. 24, 
1861; accepted Nov. 5, 1861; Dec. 30, 1861, acting adju- 
tant, Tenth and Seventh Infantry; Mar. 1, 1862, reap- 
pointed acting adjutant of the battalion, and a company 
called the " Sturgis Rifles," early part of 1862; July 6, 
1862, appointed acting assistant adjutant-general of brigade; 
engaged at the siege of Yorktown, battles of Gaines Mill 
and Malvern Hill, Virginia; acting assistant adjutant- 
general, Second Brigade, Fifth Corps, Army of Potomac 
(Sykes), from July, 1862, to June, 1863 ; engaged at the 
battles of Second Bull Run, Virginia ; Antietam, Maryland; 
action of Blackburn Ford, battles of Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville, Virginia ; aide-de-camp, June, 1863; first 



114 SELLERS 

lieutenant, Tenth Infantry, June 1, 1863 ; engaged at battle 
of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: with regular brigade at riots 
in Xew York, 1863; at Fort Lafayette, New York Harbor, 
September to October, 1863; on recruiting, mustering, and 
disbursing duty at Philadelphia, Pa., and Trenton, 1ST. J., 
from October, 1863, to February or March, 1865 ; captain 
Tenth Infantry, February 17, 1864; joined company and 
regiment near Richmond, Virginia, April, 1865 ; on de- 
tached service duty with U. S. District Attorney at Phila- 
delphia until October, 1865, then joined company at Fort 
Snelling, Minn., from November, 1865, until May, 1866 ; 
Fort Abercrombie, D. T., 1866 to 1869; Galveston, Texas, 
1869-1870; President Board of Registrars of Galveston 
County, Texas, during registration and election for first 
governor (Governor Davis), at which time the State of 
Texas ceased to be under martial law; at Austin, Texas, 
from 1870 to 1875, and in command of the post from the 
latter part of 1870, until it was discontinued as a military 
post in 1875; re-established the post of San Antonio, 
Texas, by order of General E. O. C. Ord in 1875, and in 
command of it until 1877, when ordered to assume com- 
mand of post of Fort Mcintosh, Texas ; where he remained 
until ordered to the command of Fort Mackinac, Michigan, 
1879, where he assumed command May 24, 1879; brevet 
first lieutenant for gallant and meritorious sendees at battle 
of Chancellorsville, Va. ; brevet captain for gallant and 
meritorious services at Gettysburg, Pa. ; brevet major for 
gallant and meritorious services during the war. 

Edwin Elias Sellers constituted one of the Guard of 
Honor of the remains of Mr. Lincoln, with the others 
named in the following minute : 

"Military Provost Marshal's Office, 
District of Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia, April 28, 1865. 

Captain, — Feeling a desire to perpetuate the record of 
the sad duty performed by the officers composing the 



SELLERS 115 

Guard of Honor to the remains of the late President of the 
United States while in the City of Philadelphia, I have 
caused to be printed a roll of the names of the Gentlemen 
who acted in that capacity, and supposing you desire also 
to preserve the names of your companions I beg leave here- 
with to present to you two copies of the same. 
I am, Captain, 

Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob't Serv't, 
H. A. Frink, 
Col. and Provost Marshal. 
Captain Edwin E. Sellers, 
Tenth U. S. Infantry. 

GUARD OF HONOR. 

The following named officers constituted the Guard of 
Honor to the remains of Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth 
President of the United States, while they remained in the 
city of Philadelphia, from 4.30 p.m., April 22, until 4.30 
a.m., April 24, 1865, en route for burial at Springfield, 111. 

Commodore Henry R. HoiF, United States Navy. 

Commodore J. L. Lardner, United States Navy. 

Colonel H. A. Frink, 168th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers. 

Colonel William W. McKim, Quartermaster's Department. 

Lieutenant-Colonel W. Davis, 69th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel T. C. Moore, 36th New Jersey Volun- 
teers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel John B. Murray, 198th Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Charles C. Cresson, 73d Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Major John P. Sherburne, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Major Samuel Bell, Paymaster's Department. 

Major John D. Deveraux, Veteran Reserve Corps. 



116 SELLERS 

Major J. E. Montgomery, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Surgeon R. S. Kenderdine, United States Volunteers. 

Captain James Forney, United States Marine Corps. 

Captain Edwin E. Sellers, Tenth United States Infantry. 

Captain J. P. Loughead, Commissary of Subsistence. 

Captain II. P. Janes, Assistant Quartermaster. 

Captain II. 1'. Goodrich, Assistant Quartermaster. 

Captain A. S. Ashmead, Assistant Quartermaster. 

Lieutenant G. D. Ramsey, United States Ordnance Depart- 
ment. 

Assistant Surgeon H. S. Schell, United States Army. 

Lieutenant E. M. Harris, Eighth United States Colored 
Troops." 

In 1880, Captain Sellers was in charge of the post at 

Fort Mackinac, the following being the commissioned 

officers : 

"FORT MACKINAC. 

Company D, Tenth Infantry. 

Major E. E. Sellers, commanding Co. and Post. 

First Lieut. W. T. Duggan, A. A. Q. M. and A. A. C. S. 

Second Lieut. B. Eldridge. 

Company C, Tenth Infantry. 

Major C. L. Davis, Commanding Company. 

First Lieut. D. H. Kelton. 

Second Lieut. E. H. Plummer, Post Adjutant, Treasurer, 

and Signal Officer." 

He died while in charge of the post at Mackinac, April 
8, 1884. The following is taken from the St. Ignace Re- 
publican of April 19 : 

"OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF MAJOR 
SELLERS'S DEATH. 

Fort Mackinac, Michigan, April 9,1884. — Orders No. 
24. — It becomes the sad duty of the undersigned to an- 



SELLERS 117 

nounce to the garrison of this post the decease of its late 
commanding officer, Captain Edwin E. Sellers, Tenth In- 
fantry, who died at this post at 10.45 p.m. yesterday. 

Captain Sellers was appointed a second lieutenant, Tenth 
United States Infantry, October 24, 1861, and, serving 
through various campaigns of the late rebellion in conspicu- 
ous duties, he attained the grade of captain, February 17, 
1864, having received the brevets of first lieutenant, cap- 
tain, and major for gallant and meritorious services in 
battle. 

We all loved him, and there will ever remain in the 
hearts of his friends a recollection of his manly worth, ear- 
nest devotion to duty, fidelity in friendship, and generous 
sympathies that will serve to keep his memory cherished so 
long as one remains. 

The officers of this post will wear the usual badge of 
mourning for thirty days. 

Signed Charles L. Davis, 

Captain Tenth Infantry, Brevet Major U. S. Army, Com- 
manding. 



ACTION OF HIS BROTHER OFFICERS. 

At a meeting of the officers of the garrison of Fort 
Mackinac, Saturday, April 12, the following memorial 
resolution was adopted : 

' Since the Almighty Father has, in His omnipotent 
judgment, seen best to call from us, to his everlasting 
home, our beloved and honored post commander and 
brother officer, Brevet Major Edwin E. Sellers, Captain 
Tenth United States Infantry, we bow our heads in submis- 
sion to His almighty will. 

Though by death he is taken from us for a little while, 
yet, cherished in our memories, will he ever remain the 
true friend and noble Christian soldier he was, doing his 
duty in that sphere of life it had pleased God to call him. 



118 SELLERS 

And especially to us, who knew him and served under 
him, will such memories be most dear. 

For those bereft of a loving and devoted husband and 
father our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are given in this 
their time of trouble and sorrow. 

Signed Charles L. Davis, 

Captain Tenth Infantry, Brevet Major, U. S. A. 
William H. Corbusier, 
Captain and Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. 
Dwight H. Kelton, 
First Lieutenant, Tenth Infantry. 

W. T. Duggan, 
First Lieutenant, Tenth Infantry. 
John Adams Perry, 
Second Lieutenant, Tenth Infantry.' 

TRIBUTE BY NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND ENLISTED 

MEN. 

At a meeting of the enlisted men, held April 12, at Fort 
Mackinac, the following preamble and resolutions were 
unanimously adopted : 

1 Whereas, It has pleased an all-wise Providence to sud- 
denly remove from our midst our commanding officer, 
Captain Edwin E. Sellers, Tenth Infantry, Brevet Major, 
U. S. A. ; and 

Whereas, We bow with submission to the Divine will ; 
still, as soldiers, most of whom have been under his imme- 
diate command for years, we take this manner of bearing 
testimony to the many excellent qualities possessed by the 
deceased, under whom we all felt proud to serve, and 
whom we all honored and respected. By his death the 
army loses a faithful, meritorious, and distinguished offi- 
cer, and his family a devoted husband and father; there- 
fore be it 

Resolved, That we, the members of the non-commissioned 
staff at the fort, and Companies C and D, Tenth Infantry, 



SELLERS 119 

condole with the family and relatives of the deceased, and 
tender them our heartfelt sympathy in their sad bereave- 
ment ; and be it further 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the 
widow of our late commandant, and that copies be fur- 
nished for publication to the Army and Navy Journal, 
St. Ignace Free Press, St. Ignace Republican, Philadelphia 
Ledger, and Philadelphia Evening Telegraph. 

John Devlin, 
First Sergeant Go. D, Tenth Infantry, Chairman, 
Frank Head, 
John W. Lambert, 
Charles J. Scullin, 
Patrick McCormick, 
A. G. Simmons, 
August Burkhart, 
Committee on Resolutions.' 

the funeral. 
Major Sellers was buried with military honors Saturday 
afternoon, the 12th inst., in the Fort cemetery. The 
funeral was attended by nearly all citizens. Places of busi- 
ness were closed and flags were at half-mast. The funeral 
arrangements, under the conduct of Captain Kelton, were 
perfect. Taps from the bugle at the close of the burial- 
service was impressive and awoke many a serious thought." 

His death is also referred to in the Army and Navy Jour- 
nal of April 12, 1884, and the following is a copy of the 
regimental order relating thereto : 

"Head-quarters Tenth U. S. Infantry, 
Fort Wayne, Mich., April 12, 1884. 
General Orders \ 
No. 4. J 

It becomes the sad duty of the Regimental Commander 
to announce to the regiment the death of Captain Edwin 



120 SELLERS 

E. Sellers, who died suddenly of pneumonia at Fort 
Mackinac, Michigan, at 10.45 p.m. on the 8th instant. 

Captain Sellers entered the service as 2d Lieutenant 
10th Infantry, 24th October, 1861; promoted 1st Lieu- 
tenant 1st of June, 1863, and Captain, 17th of February, 
1864. Was engaged in the siege of Yorktown, battles of 
Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, Antietam, action at 
Blackburn Ford, battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, and Gettysburg. Had the brevet of 1st Lieutenant 
for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville ; brevet Captain for gallant and meritorious ser- 
vices at the battle of Gettysburg ; brevet Major for gallant 
and meritorious services during the war. Was Acting 
Assistant Adjutant-General 2d Brigade, 2d Division 5th 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and later held the position of 
Aide-de-Camp. 

Since the war he has served almost continuously with 
his regiment, Was in command of the Post of Austin, 
Texas, from 1870 to 1875 ; of Post of San Antonio, Texas, 
from 1875 to 1877 ; of Fort Mcintosh, Texas, and of Fort 
Mackinac, Michigan, from May, 1879, until his death. 

Captain Sellers was so well known in the regiment that 
it seems entirely unnecessary to mention his deserved pop- 
ularity to those who have been so long associated with 
him, and who recognized in him — as did all who knew 
him — a genial, conscientious officer and gentleman, de- 
voted to his profession, thus securing the respect and con- 
fidence of his brother officers, and, by his affable and 
urbane manner, the love of all he came in contact with. 

To say that the death of a man possessed of such endear- 
ing qualities is a loss to the service and regiment but 
mildly expresses the sincere sorrow and grief felt by us all, 
and which can be but extended in true sympathy to the 
widow and family so suddenly bereft of a loving husband 
and father. 

The officers of the regiment will wear the usual badge of 



SELLERS 121 

mourning and the regimental colors will be draped in 
mourning for thirty days. 

By Order of Colonel H. B. Clitz : 

J. F. Stretch, 
First Lieutenant, 10th Infantry, Adjutant. 
Official. 

J. F. Stretch, Adjutant." 

The following is one of the tributes to his memory : 

"IN MEMORIAM— MAJOR ED WEST E. SELLERS, 
DEAD AT FORT MACKINAC, APRIL 8, 1884. 

If life were but a volume closed, 

And faith in heaven were ne'er reposed, 

Then sad it were to hearts disclosed, 

Since then the grave all hopes enclosed. 

But, Soldier ! from the other shore 

May gracious greetings tide thee o'er — 

Thou wert a soldier to the core : 

What faults were thine are thine no more. 

So firm of faith ! So fit for deeds ! 

Yet grasp of hand and sword recedes ! 

And, lost to sight, still memory pleads 

The record which a nation reads. 

With honors here so bravely won, 

May lightly rest the sod upon 

Thy manly form ! Thy rounds are done ! 

Farewell, brave son ! Earth's race is run ! 

Though fighting well when carnage waged, 

And in the combat all enraged ; 

Still, in sweet peace, thy passions caged, 

And former foes as friends engaged. 

From sullen heights the guns look down ; 

O'er isle and shore and lake they frown ; 

And sombrer grows the sombre town, 

Since all the air has sombre grown ! 



122 SELLERS 

Then fare thee well ! and last farewells 

From friends ; the heart with sorrow swells — 

'Neath sheltering pines the wind now tells 

Where silently a soldier dwells. 

Then sing sweet bird, and murmur pine, 

Where rest the brave in the bright sunshine ; 

Where the waters lull, there they recline. 

Hence let our prayer be : ' All are Thine !' 

Horatio Crain. 
Key West, Fla., April 24, 1884." 

On his tombstone in the cemetery of the post of Fort 
Mackinac is inscribed : 

"MAJOR EDWIN E. SELLERS, U. S. ARMY 

CAPT. 10TH D. S. INFANTRY 

DIED 

FORT MACKINAC, APRIL 8TH, 1884 

THIS STONE IS ERECTED AS A MARK OF 

AFFECTION 

BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF 

COMPANIES C AND D 

10TH U. S. INFANTRY 
HIS LATE COMMAND 

'Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth 
not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile' " 

The widow of Major Sellers was married to Captain 
Walter T. Duggan, Sep. 30, 1886, at the Rectory of the 
Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Angels, Chicago, Illi- 
nois, by the Rev. D. A. Tighe; a second ceremony was 
performed the same day at St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal 
Church, in the same city, by the Rev. Dr. Fleetwood. 
Major Sellers and his wife, Olive Lay Foote, had issue : 
60. Edwin Foote, born at Austin, Texas, Feb. 25, 
1871 ; was graduated at Trinity Military 



SELLERS 123 

Institute, Tivoli-on-the-Hudson, June, 1889, 
since which time he has been connected with 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 

61. Robert Foote, born at Austin, Texas, Dec. 25, 

1872; died April 16, 1873, at same place; 
buried at same place temporarily, being rein- 
terred at Military Cemetery, San Antonio, 
Texas. 

62. David Foote, born at Austin, Texas, Feb. 4, 

1874; May 21, 1890, appointed a naval cadet 
from New Mexico; June 5, 1894, detached 
Naval Academy June 8, and to the " New 
York," reporting June 25; Apr. 16, 1896, 
detached and to final examination, being de- 
tached Apr. 30, and reporting May 2 ; May 
11, 1896, detached and two months' leave, 
detached May 21; June 26, 1896, to the 
" Massachusetts," reported July 25 ; June 
30, 1896, was graduated; July 1, 1896, pro- 
moted to Ensign ; July 10, 1896, commis- 
sioned ad interim; Jan. 22, 1897, recommis- 
sioned; June 7, 1897, detached June 15, and 
to the " Essex" as watch and division officer, 
reported June 18; Mar. 14, 1898, detached 
and to the " Alliance" as watch and division 
officer, detached and reported Mar. 19 ; May 
24, 1898, detached and to the receiving ship 
" Independence," with crew of the " Phila- 
delphia," detached May 25 and reported 
May 31 ; June 29, 1898, detached and to the 
" Philadelphia," detached and reported July 
9; July 11, 1898, duty as watch and division 
officer on the "Philadelphia;" Oct. 18, 1898, 
detached and to duty as flag- secretary, Pa- 
cific Station, detached and reported Oct. 
23; July, 1, 1899, promoted to lieutenant 



124 SELLERS 

(junior grade); July 11, 1899, to examina- 
tion for promotion ; Sep. 12, 1899, commis- 
sioned from July 1 ; Feb. 2, 1900, order of 
Oct. 18, 1898, modified, clerk to admiral; 
Feb. 27, 1900, recommissioned from July 1, 
1899; Feb. 24, 1900, detached and to tem- 
porary duty on the "Iowa;" Mar. 2, 1900, 
detached and to the " Philadelphia" as watch 
and division officer; July 3, 1900, detached 
July 16, home and wait orders; July 21, 
1900, to Bureau of Navigation; July 25, re- 
ported July 27; Feb. 5, 1901, duty with 
General Board, Feb. 6; Feb. 14, 1901, de- 
tached Feb. 15 and to duty on staff of Rear- 
Admiral Rodgers on the "New York," de- 
tached Feb. 14, and reported Feb. 18 ; Aug. 
13, 1901, examination for promotion, or- 
dered on Asiatic Station ; Sep. 2, 1901, pro- 
moted to lieutenant; Jan. 20, 1902, commis- 
sioned from Sep. 2, 1901; June 28, 1902, 
appointed flag lieutenant; Dec. 1, 1902, de- 
tached, home and wait orders, detached Dec. 
4; Jan. 5, 1903, to the Bureau of Navigation 
Jan. 10, reported Jan. 10. 
63. Paulding Foote, born at San Antonio, Texas, 
Oct. 12, 1876 ; attended schools of various 
army posts until 1891; was graduated at 
Trinity Military Institute, Tivoli-on-the-Hud- 
son, June, 1893 ; entered the Pennsylvania 
State College, Sep., 1893, and was graduated 
in the course of electrical engineering in 
1897; accepted position with the Buffalo 
General Electric Company, Aug., 1897, re- 
maining there one year, when he became 
connected with the Cataract Power and Con- 
duit Company, remaining there three years. 



SELLERS 125 

when he became electrical engineer of the 
Buffalo General Electric Company. 
64. Walter Foote, born at Fort Mackinac, Michi- 
gan, Jan. 21, 1880; was graduated at Law- 
renceville Academy, N". J., June, 1899; was 
graduated from Princeton University June 
10, 1903, with degree of A.B. 



Iltumpolr 



I. 1. Adam Wambold arrived in Pennsylvania in 1736. 
The place of his birth or the date has not been ascertained. 
" Colonial Records," Vol. IV, page 58, contains the follow- 
ing reference of his arrival : 

" Sep. 1, 1736. Palatines imported in the ship ' Harle,' 
of London, Ralph Harle Master, from Rotterdam, last from 
Cowes." In the list appears the names of "Adam Warn- 
bolt, Johann Georg Wambolt, and Johan Peter Wambold," 
possibly brothers. The original spelling of the name was 
" Wambold," but the more recent form of " Wampole" 
will be adopted, except in quotations. 

Adam Wampole settled in Coventry township, Chester 
County, Pennsylvania. His will is on file at Philadelphia 
and is recorded in Liber M, folio 316. It i6 dated May 27, 
1762, and was proved at Philadelphia, June 23, 1762. He 
is styled as Adam " Wambold," of Coventry township, 
Chester County, Pennsylvania. To his wife Catherine he 
leaves one-third of his estate, both real and personal. To 
his son Frederick he bequeaths one shilling. The balance 
of his estate is bequeathed equally among his other chil- 
dren, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Ludwick, Elias, Peter, 
Magdalena, Adam, and George, who were all then under 
twenty-one years of age. John Gross was named as execu- 
tor, and the witnesses were Jacob Beer\ T , John Martin, and 
Godfried Davenhoven. 

Adam Wampole and Catherine, his wife, had issue, as 
indicated: 

2. Frederick. 

126 



WAMPOLE 127 

3. Elizabeth. 

4. Mary. 

5. Catherine. 

6. Ludwick. 

7. Elias. 

8. Peter. 

9. Magdalena. 

10. Adam. 

11. George, whose will is on file at Westchester, 

Pennsylvania, and recorded in Liber XII, 
folio 57. He is described as " George Wam- 
pole of the township of West Nantmeal, 
County of Chester and State of Pennsyl- 
vania." 
The will was dated 1813 and was probated June 5, 1815. 
He bequeaths small sums to " my brothers Elias Warn- 
pole and Adam Wampole," to " my brother Elias' son 
John Wampole," to " Mary Horn, daughter of my brother 
Elias," to " Hannah Horn, another daughter of my brother 
Elias," to " Magdalena Gordon, another daughter of my 
brother Elias," to " Elias Wampole, the son of the above 
named John Wampole, and to George Horn, the son of the 
above named Mary Horn," he bequeaths sums of money, to 
be paid them as they should arrive at twenty-one years of 
age. The residue of his estate was bequeathed to "the 
aforementioned John Wampole, Mary Horn, Hannah Horn, 
and Magdalena Gordon, children of my brother Elias afore- 
said," to be equally divided. He appointed the said John 
Wampole and Thomas Millard executors. The witnesses 
were Thomas Roberts and James Ligget. John Wampole 
renounced. 

H. 7. Elias Wampole was the son of Adam Wampole 

(1) and Catherine . The date of his birth has not 

been ascertained. In the " Pennsylvania Archives," Third 
Edition, Vol. XII, page 116, he appears in a list of the 



128 WAMPOLE 

taxables of Charles township, Chester County, Pennsyl- 
vania, for the year 1774, as holding one hundred acres. 
In the same volume, page 692, he is taxed as of East Cain 
township, same county. He married Barbara, daughter of 

John Crey and Barbara . John Crey received a 

warrant for one hundred acres of land in Coventry town- 
ship, Chester County, April 13, 1749 (Pa. Ar., 3d Ser., 
Vol. XXIV, p. 68). The records of Old Swedes' Church, 
Wilmington, Delaware, mention the marriage of John 
" Gray" to Barbara Boals, May 15, 1738, which may 
possibly refer to John Crey. 

Elias Wampole and Barbara, his wife, had issue, as here- 
after appears : 

12. John. 

13. Barbara, m. Isaac Pawling, Jr. 

14. Magdalena, m. Gordon. 

15. Hannah, m. Samuel Horn. 

16. Elizabeth, m. Joseph Long. 

17. Mary, m. David Horn. 

IH. 12. John Wampole, son of Elias Wampole (7) and 
Barbara Crey, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 
1782. He married Sarah Ann Sailer. She was born in 
Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1788. He died Sep. 29, 
1843. She died Sep. 9, 1864. They are both buried in 
Monument Cemetery, Philadelphia. 

The following conveyance by John Wampole et al. is 
recorded at Westchester, Chester County, Pa., in Liber 0, 
No. 3, Vol. 62, folio 387 : 

" To all people to whom these presents shall come John 
Wampole of the Township of Brandywine, in the County 
of Chester, and State of Pennsylvania, Yeoman, and Sarah 
liis wife, Isaac Pawling, Junior, of the Township of West 
X ant meal in the County and state aforesaid, Yeoman, and 
Barbara his wife (late Barbara Wampole), Magdalena Gor- 



WAMPOLE 129 

don of the Township of East Nantmeal, in the County of 
Chester (late Magdalena Wampole), Samuel Horn of the 
Township of East Nantmeal, in the County and state afore- 
said, Yeoman, and Hannah his wife (late Hannah Wam- 
pole), Joseph Long of the Township of Heidelburg in the 
County of Lebanon and state aforesaid, Yeoman, and 
Elizabeth his wife (late Elizabeth "Wampole), David Horn 
of the Township of Earl in the County of Lancaster and 
state aforesaid, Yeoman, and Mary his wife (late Mary 
Wampole,), which said John, Barbara, Magdalena, Han- 
nah, Elizabeth and Mary are the children and sole heirs of 
Elias Wampole, late of the Township of Brandy wine in the 
County of Chester aforesaid, deceased, and Barbara his 
wife (late Barbara Crey), also deceased, which said Bar- 
bara was a daughter of John Crey, late of the Township of 
Coventry in the County of Chester aforesaid, yeoman, de- 
ceased, send greeting. Whereas in pursuance of a warrant 
dated the twenty third day of July Anno Domini one thou- 
sand seven hundred and thirty seven granted unto Jo- 
hannes Flickeeken which was vacated on the thirteenth 
day of April Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred 
and forty nine and granted unto John Crey there was 
surveyed unto the said John Crey a certain tract of land 
situate in Coventry Township, Chester County bounded 
by lands of Michael Holdeman, Andrew Parks, Matthias 
Swisher Ulerick Longenecker and John Swisher, Contain- 
ing upwards of one hundred acres of land as by the said 
warrant granted unto the said John Crey and survey re- 
maining in the surveyor Generals Office may more fully 
appear. By force and virtue of which said recited warrant 
and survey the said John Crey became lawfully seized of 
and in the said recited tract of land with the appurte- 
nances and being so thereof seized died intestate leaving 
issue two daughters to wit Mary the wife of Jacob Ecker 
and Barbara the -wife of Elias Wampole unto whom the 
same by the laws of Pennsylvania relating to intestates' 



130 WAMrOLE 

estates did descend and come. And whereas the said 
Mary the wife of the said Jacob Ecker, since dec'd, Intes- 
tate without leaving any issue. And the said Barbara the 
wife of the said Elias Wampole who since also died, intes- 
tate but leaving issue six children, to wit, the said John 
Wampole, Barbara the wife of Isaac Pawling, Junior, Mag- 
dalena Gordon, Hannah the wife of Samuel Horn, Eliza- 
beth the wife of Joseph Long and Mary the wife of David 
Horn unto whom the same by the laws of Pennsylvania, 
relating to intestates estates did descend and come. The 
said Elias Wampole and Barbara his wife having previously 
by an instrument of writing granted and conveyed one 
moiety or undivided half part of and in the above recited 
tract of land with the appurtenances unto the said Jacob 
Ecker in fee. But for as much that the said Instrument of 
writing is mislaid, Know ye that the said John Wampole 
(et al.) . . . hath granted . . . unto the said Jacob Ecker 
and to his heirs and assigns, All that, messuage or tene- 
ments and tract of land above recited. ... In witness 
whereof the said John Wampole and Sarah his wife, Isaac 
Pawling, Junior and Barbara his wife Magdalena Gordon, 
Samuel Horn and Hannah his wife, Joseph Long, and 
Elizabeth his wife and David Horn and Mary his wife to 
these presents have hereunto interchangeably, set their 
hands and seals, the twenty eighth day of June in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen. 
Recorded September 29, 1817." 

John Wampole and Sarah Ann, his wife, had issue : 

18. John. 

19. Elias, m. Catharine Laboucherie; he was con- 

sul at Laguayra under the administration of 
President Lincoln ; d. at Porto Cabell o in 
1863, and was buried there. His wife died 
Sep. 14, 1868, and was buried at Trenton, 
N. J. They left issue. 



WAMPOLE 131 

20. George, m. Catharine Hey; lie d. at Chicago, 

m., i88i. 

21. Oliver. 

22. Howard. 

23. Silas, m. Elizabeth Tiel, of Bordentown, K J. ; 

he d. July 31, 1884. She d. May, 1879. 

24. Barbara Ann, m. Samuel Sellers. 

25. Sarah, m. Edward Snyder. 

26. Eliza, m. Edward Boyle. 



^ntor 



Women are indexed in maiden surname. 



Alcorn, James, 93. 
Alleman, S. H., 24. 
Allen, William, 12. 
Archer, Pierce, Jr., 24. 
Arnold, Jacob, 15. 
Michael, 24, 101. 
Arundel, John M., 24. 
Ashbridge, Samuel H., 94, 98, 

101. 
Ashman, William N., 75, 84, 89, 91, 

95, 96, 100, 101. 

ASHMEAD, A. S., 116. 

Audenried, Charles Y., 93. 



Babcock, Samuel F., 23. 
Bachman, Abraham, 12. 

Christian, 13. 

Jacob, 12, 13. 

John, 12. 

John George, 13. 
Barger, T. J., 23. 
Barnes, John Hampton, 93. 
Barrett, James C, 93, 97, 98. 
Bechtel, George, 12, 13. 

Jacob, 12. 
Beebe, Georgiana Knox, 113. 
Beeber, Dimner, 93. 
Beery, Jacob, 126. 
Behner, Johannes, 11. 
Bell, Samuel, 115. 
Belsterling, John F., 24. 



Bennett, J. D., 24. 

William H., 66, 86, 88, 90, 94, 

97, 98, 100, 101. 
Berkey, Henry, 9. 
Biddle, A. Sydney, 24. 

Chapman, 23. 
George W., 23, 69. 
Bispham, George Tucker, 65, 77, 84, 
86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 

98, 99, 100, 101. 
Blocher, John, 16. 
Boals, Barbara, 128. 
Bowers, Jacob E., 24. 
Bowman, Wendell P. , 93. 
Boyle, Edward, 131. 
Brewster, F. Carroll, 21, 41, 44, 

47, 52, 53, 55, 56, 84. 
Briggs, William, 8. 
Broad, Bernard, 16. 

Magdalena, 16. 
Brode, George, 93, 98. 
Bronfelt, Henry, 12. 
Brown, Henry Hobart, 111. 

J. Hay, 82, 88, 93, 96. 

John A., 24. 
Brunner, Henry, 11, 12. 

John, 14, 15. 

Margaret (21 a ), 14, 15. 
Buchanan, James, 79. 
Buckley, George E., 23. 
Buckner, Simon B., 110. 
Budd, Walter J., 24, 
Bull, George, 24. 
Bullitt, John C, 23, 107. 

133 



134 



INDEX 



Bunn. William M., 102. 
Bukgoy, Henry, 11. 

BURKHART, AugUSt, 119. 

Burtis, Aaron H., 19, 20. 
Burton. Arthur M., 23. 
Byrne, M. J., 24. 

C 

Cadwai.ader, George, 18. 

John, 20, 41, 44, 49, 52, 53, 54, 
57, 65, 68, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 
92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 
100, 101, 106. 

John, Jr., 23, 78, 84. 
Campbell, John M., 24. 
Cathcart, Ellen, 113. 
Chew, David S. B., 101. 
Chitty, Tompson, 21. 
Clay, H. G., 23. 

Joseph A., 24. 

R. W., 23. 
Clements, George, 12. 
Clitz, H. B., 121. 
Cochrane, Frances F., 110. 
Cohen, Charles J., 108. 
Collis, C. H. T., 65, 81, 86, 88, 90, 
92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 
101. 
Colver, Jacoh, 18. 
Conner, James A., 24. 
Corbusier, William H., 118. 
Cox, John Bellangee, 23. 
Coxe, Brinton, 79. 

Ferdinand, 110. 

Francis Travis (58), 110. 

Marcellus, 110. 
Coyle, H. D., 93, 97, 98. 
Crabtree, Benjamin, 107. 
Crain, Horatio, 122. 
Crawford, Mrs., 111. 
Cresson, Charles C, 115. 
Crockat, David, 5, 8. 
Crey, Barbara, 128, 129, 130. 

John, 128, 129. 

Mary, 129, 130. 
Curtin, Andrew G., 21. 
Cuyler, Theodore, 42, 54, 61. 



Dale, Richard C, 93. 
Dallas, George M., 23. 
Darstone, Abraham, 14, 15. 
Davenhoven, Godfried, 126. 
Davies, Thomas F., 110. 
Davis, Charles L., 116, 117, 118. 
Sussex D., 86, 94, 97, 98, 100, 

101. 
W., 115. 
Dkchert, Henry M., 23. 
Derinoer, Clarence, 24. 
Detweiler, Samuel, 9, 11. 
Deveraux, John D., 115. 
Devlin, John, 119. 
Dickson, Samuel, 23, 65, 84, 86, 87, 

88, 90, 94, 97, 100, 101, 105. 
DiEHL, Thomas J., 23. 
Diepe, Christian, 12. 
D'Israeli, Benjamin, 63. 
Dolman, John, 24. 
Doran, Joseph I., 24. 
Dougherty, Daniel, 24. 
Drayton, W. Heyward, 24. 
Duggan, W. T., 116, 118, 120 

E 
Earle, George H., 24. 
Eby, Christian, 16. 
Ecker, Jacob, 129, 130. 
Ehret, Blanche Bingham, 113. 

Michael, 113. 
Ehrlich, Franz, Jr., 104. 
Eitinger, Jacob, 17. 
Elcock, Thomas R., 93. 
Eldridge, B., 116. 

G. Morgan, 24. 
El well, Isaac, 108. 
Enreio, Jacob Otto, 18. 
Erickson, C. F., 24. 



Faust, Charles, 108. 
Ferguson, William 0., 105. 
Fishbourn, William, 6, 7. 
Fisher, George Harrison, 24. 
Flanders, Henry, 65, 88, 90, 94. 



INDEX 



135 



Fleetwood, Kev. Dr., 122. 
Flickecken, Johannes, 129. 
Foote, John, 113. 

Olive Lay, 107, 113, 122. 
Forney, James, 116. 
Frick, Christian, 16, 17. 
Fries, William S., 24. 
Frink, H. A., 115. 
Funston, James, 13. 

John, 13. 

Lucie, 13. 

Mary, 13. 

G 

Geisinger, John, 14, 15. 

John, Jr., 13. 
Gerhart, Isaac, 24. 
Gillou, Victor, 65, 84, 86, 88, 90, 

94, 97, 98, 100, 101. 
Girard, Stephen, 57. 
Goodrich, H. P., 116. 
Gordon, , 128. 

Patrick, 6, 7, 8. 
Graeme, Thomas, 9. 
Graham, ElishaP., 19. 
Greenbank, Thomas, 23, 24. 
Grier, J. Kich., 24. 
Griffiths, Thomas, 9. 
Gross, Charles H., 24. 

John, 126. 



Harle, Ralph, 126. 
Harris, E. M., 116. 
Harrison, Joseph, Jr., 20. 
Harrity, "William F., 43, 51. 
Hart, Gavin W., 66. 

Thomas, Jr., 26. 
Hartman, Wencel, 93. 
Hartzell, Jacob, 14. 
Hayes, R. B., 69. 
Head, Frank, 119. 
Henry, Charles W., 64, 86, 94, 97, 
98, 100, 101. 

James Buchanan, 79. 
Hensel, W. U., 82, 88, 93, 96. 
Heverin, J. H., 24. 



Hey, Catharine, 131. 
Hill, Richard, 6, 7. 
Hinds, William P., 19. 
Hirst, A. A., 24. 
Hittle, Philip, 14, 15. 
Hoff, Henry R., 115. 
Holdeman, Michael, 129. 
Holtzhuh, George, 13. 
Hoopes, James, 18, 19, 20. 

John, 18, 19. 

Sarah Ann, 18, 19, 20. 

Theodore, 18, 19. 
Horn, David, 128, 129, 130. 

George, 127. 

Samuel, 128, 129, 130. 
Horner, Inman, 24. 
Horwitz, Orville, 65, 86, 88, 90, 94, 

97, 98, 100, 101. 
Howell, Edward G., 18. 
Husband, William A., 24. 



Inoersoll, C, 23. 
Irvine, William B., 56. 



Jackson, Ezekiel, 19. 
James, Abraham, 8, 9. 

Albert, Jr., 23. 
Janes, H. P., 116. 
Jaquett, Anna Frances, 21, 42, 43, 
48, 50, 52, 58, 108, 110, 111. 

Jean Paul, 43, 48, 50, 58. 

Joseph, 21, 43, 48, 50, 58. 
Johnson, E. Y., 23. 

John G., 39, 88, 93, 96. 
Jones, Charles Henry, 24. 
Joyce, William H., 65, 86, 88, 90, 

94, 97, 98, 100. 
Junkin, George, 23. 



Keen, John F., 23. 
Kelton, D. H., 116, 118, 119. 
Kenderdine, R. S., 116. 
Keyser, Charles S., 24. 



136 



INDEX 



Kino, Henry T., 21, 41, 44, 47, 49, 

52, 53, 55, 84. 
Korlye, Peter, 12. 
Krumbhaar, Charles H., 24. 



Laboucherie, Catharine, 130. 
Laing, Edward, 108. 
Lambert, John W., 119. 
Landreth, Harriet R., 107. 

Oliver, 107. 
Langhorne, Jeremiah, 9. 
Lardner, J. L., 115. 
Lawrence, Thomas, 8. 
Leland, Charles G., 79. 
Levi, Myer A., 23. 
Lex, Charles E., 21, 22, 41, 44, 47, 

52, 53, 55, 57, 84. 
Ligget, James, 127. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 114, 115, 130. 
Logan, James, 6, 7. 

James A., 65, 86, 88, 90, 93, 94, 
97, 100, 101. 
Long, Joseph, 128, 129. 
Longenecker, Ulerick, 129. 
Loughead, J. P., 116. 
Lukens, Joel, 16. 
Lyons, Samuel Gregory, 110. 

M 
Magnin, A., 93, 97, 98. 
Marsteller, George, 12. 
Martin, John, 126. 

Thomas S., 65. 
Massey, Louis C, 23. 
Maxwell, Robert D., 23. 
McAleer, William, 101. 
McCall, P., 23. 
McCarthy, Henry J., 93. 
McCormick, Patrick, 119. 
McFadden, Theodore, 24. 
McGeorge, William, Jr., 24. 
McGrath, Robert H., 24. 
McKim, William W., 115. 
McKinley, William, 110. 
Mr Manes, James, 42, 52, 54, 56, 
85. 



McMurtrik, R. C, 23. 
Miles, James L., 43, 53, 55, 59. 
Millard, Thomas, 127. 
Miller, Samuel, 17. 
Mitchell, E. Coppee, 23. 

James T., 40, 65, 66, 82, 83, 86, 
87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 95, 97, 
98, 100, 101. 
Mitcheson, MacGregor J., 24. 
Montgomery, A. J., 24. 

J. E., 116. 
Moon, A. H., 23. 

R. O., 93. 
Moore, T. C, 115. 
Morris, George W., 23. 

William, 23. 
Muirhead, Charles H., 19. 
Murphy, J. Jos., 24. 
Murray, John B., 115. 
Myers, Charles, 24. 

N 
Nelson, Richard H., 65, 86, 93, 94, 

97, 100, 101. 
Newcomer, Philip, 14. 
Norris, Isaac, 6. 
North, 38. 
Northrop, George, 24. 



Odenheimer, William H., 21. 
Olmstead, Edward, 23. 

Henry C, 23. 
Ord, E. O. C, 114. 
Otterson, James, 23. 



Page, S. Davis, 65, 86, 88, 90, 94, 

97, 98, 100, 101. 
Palethorp, Robert, 24, 79. 
Palmer, John M., 112. 
Parks, Andrew, 129. 

J. Lewis, 110, 113. 
Parsons, James, 23. 
Patterson, C. Stuart, 65, 86, 88, 

90, 94, 97, 100, 101. 



INDEX 



137 



Patterson, Edward, 93, 97, 98. 
George Stuart, 66, 87, 91, 95, 98, 

100, 101. 
Pattison, Robert E., 28. 
Pawling, Isaac, Jr., 128, 130. 
Pendleton, Garrett, 23. 
Penn, William, 12. 
Pennypacker, Samuel W., 93. 
Perkins, Samuel C, 35, 37. 
Perkinson, James, 93, 98. 
Perry, John Adams, 118. 
Peterson, J. V., 24. 
Pettit, Silas W., 65, 86, 88, 90, 94, 

97, 98, 100, 101. 
Platt, E. Greenough, 23. 
Pleasanton, Augustus James, 

31. 
Plummer, E. H., 116. 

George F., 113. 
Plumstead, Clement, 6. 
Pollock, James, 63. 
Powell, John S., 24. 

POYDLEMAN, 12. 



Q 



Quin, E. C, 23. 

R 
Ramsay, G. D., 116. 
Reid, John R., 101. 
Remak, Stephen L., 24. 
Rhoads, J. Howard, 112. 
Richardson, Emlen Randolph, 

79. 
Richmond, 37. 
Rieth, Andreas, 11. 
Robb, Samuel, 24. 
Roberts, Elizabeth P., 18. 

Thomas, 127. 
Robeson, James, 8. 
Rodgers, Rear-Admiral, 124. 
Rohr, Henry, 14, 15. 
Root, Samuel, 15. 

Sarah, 15, 16, 17. 
Rosenthal, Albert, 107. 
Rothermel, P. F., 65, 86, 88, 90, 
94, 97, 98, 100, 101. 



Sailkr, Sarah Ann, 17, 128, 130. 
Samuel, John, 23, 65, 67, 83, 84, 
86, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 97, 
98, 100, 101, 104. 
Savage, William Lyttleton, 23. 
Schell, H. S., 116. 
Scott, Lucius H., 107. 
Scull, Gideon, 79. 
Scullin, Charles J., 119. 
Sellers, Abigail (36), 17. 

Abraham (15), 14, 15. 

Absalom (26), 17. 

Agnes (52), 42, 48, 50, 52, 53, 
110. 

Anna (39), 17. 

Anna Frances (45), 42, 48, 50, 
52, 53, 110. 

Barbara, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 

Catharina, 5, 10, 11, 12. 

Catherine (20), 14, 15. 

Charles Jaquett (50), 111. 

Curtis (31), 17. 

David (16), 14, 15, 16, 17. 

David (32), 17. 

David Foote (62), 123. 

David Wampole (40), 20-111. 

Edwin Elias (43), 20, 107, 113- 
122. 

Edwin Foote (60), 122. 

Edwin Jaquett (49), 42, 48, 50, 
52, 53, 55, 58, 108, 109, 110, 
111-113. 

Elizabeth, 9. 

Elizabeth (9), 11. 

Elizabeth (21), 14, 15. 

Elizabeth Louisa (46), 42, 48, 
50, 52, 53, 110. 

Ellen Jaquett (59), 113. 

Eve (23), 14, 15. 

Florence (48), 42, 48, 50, 52, 53, 
110. 

George (13), 14, 15. 

Hannah (25), 14, 15. 

Hannah (38), 17. 

Henry, 9. 



138 



INDEX 



Sellers, Isaac (19), 14, 15. 

Isaac (28), 17. 

Jacob (8), 11. 

Jacob (17), 14, 15. 

Jesse (29), 17. 

John (5), 9, 10, 11. 

John (12), 14, 15. 

John K. (42), 20. 

Joseph (33), 17. 

Levi, 19, 20. 

Magdalena (10), 11, 12. 

Margaret (11), 11. 

Mary (35), 17. 

Mary (47), 42, 48, 50, 52, 53, 
110. 

Nancy (35»), 17. 

Paul (6), 11. 

Paulding Foote (63), 124. 

Peter (7), 11. 

Philip (2), 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 
16. 

Philip (14), 14, 15. 

Philip Henry (1), 5, 8, 9, 10, 
11, 12, 46, 49. 

Philip Henry (4), 11. 

Polly (22), 14, 15, 16. 

Reuben (34), 17. 

Robert Foote (61), 123. 

Samuel (30), 17, 18, 19, 20, 46, 
108, 113, 131. 

Samuel (41), 20. 

Sarah (37), 17. 

Sarah Ann (44), 20. 

Solomon (27), 17. 

Sydney Jaquett (51), 111. 

Walter Foote (64), 125. 

William (18), 14, 15. 
Sergeant, George, 24. 
Shakespeare, James H., 24. 
Shapley, Rufus E., 39, 83. 
Sharps, Isaac S., 24. 
Sharpless, Nathan H., 24. 
Sharswood, George, 71. 
Sherburne, John P., 115. 
Simmons, A. G., 119. 
Simpson, Alexander, Jr., !•:!. 
Skinner, Thomas H.. 17. 



Slighter, Isaac, 16. 

Smith, William Rudolph, 24. 

Snare, John E., 23. 

Snowden, A. Loudon, 62, 65, 86, 88, 

90, 94, 97, 100, 101. 
Snyder, Catharine, 8. 

Edward, 131. 

Peter, 8, 9. 
Spencer, J. A., 23. 

John T., 24. 
Spiese, George W., 23. 
Staake, William H., 24, 93, 107. 
Stackhouse, W. A., 93, 97, 98. 
Sterling, David Sellers (55), 
110. 

Francis Elder (57), 110. 

George Howard, 110. 

Philip Sellers (56), 110. 
Stokley, William S., 43, 61. 
Stork, T. B., 24. 
Stout, Abraham, 9, 11. 
Stover, Lewis, 23. 
Stretch, J. F., 121. 
Stretcher, Elizabeth, 21. 
Sulzberger, Mayer, 93. 
Sutton, W. Henry, 24. 
Swisher, John, 129. 

Matthias, 129. 



Temple, Leofric, 21. 

Terry, Henry C, 66, 81, 87, 88, 91, 

95, 98, 100, 101. 
Thayer, M. Russell, 65, 86, 88, 90, 

94, 97, 98, 100, 101. 
Thomas, John M., 23. 
Thompson, Samuel Gustine, 45, 62, 

65, 86, 88, 90, 94, 97, 98, 100, 

101. 
Thorn, George W., 24. 
Tiel, Elizabeth, 131. 
Tighe, D. A., 122. 
Tilpen, Samuel J.. <i!». 



U 



Ulrich, Martin, 20. 



INDEX 



139 



Vogdes, William, 24. 

Vogels, David Sellers (54), 110. 

Edward Page, 110. 

Eleanor Stockton (53), 110. 
Vonnoh, Kobert, 107. 

W 

"Walmsley, Henry, 8. 
Wambold, Johan Peter, 126. 
Wambolt, Johann Georg, 126. 
Wampole, Adam (1), 126, 127. 

Adam (10), 126, 127. 

Barbara (13), 128, 129, 130. 

Barbara Ann (24), 17, 20, 113, 
131. 

Catherine, 126, 127. 

Catherine (5), 126, 127. 

Elias(7), 126, 127, 128, 129, 130. 

Elias (19), 127, 130. 

Eliza (26), 131. 

Elizabeth (3), 126, 127. 

Elizabeth (16), 128, 129, 130. 

Frederick (2), 126. 

George (11), 126, 127. 

George (20), 131. 

Hannah (15), 127, 128, 129, 130. 

Howard (22), 131. 

John (12), 17, 127, 128, 129, 130. 

John (18), 130. 



Wampole, Ludwick (6), 126, 127. 

Magdalena (9), 126, 127. 

Magdalena (14), 127, 128, 129, 
130. 

Mary (4), 126, 127. 

Mary (17), 127, 128, 129, 130. 

Oliver (21), 131. 

Peter (8), 126, 127. 

Sarah (25), 131. 

Silas (23), 131. 
WaPvWICk, Charles F., 94, 101. 
Washington, George, 62. 
Weaver, John, 93. 
Webb, Hiram, 93, 97, 98. 
Weeks, Horace F., 23. 
Weil, Edward H., 24. 
West, W. Nelson, 41, 52, 54, 58. 
Wetherill, William D., 23. 
Wheeler, J. H., 24. 
White, Richard P., 23. 
Wilkinson, John J., 24. 
Willson, Robert N., 72, 84, 87, 88, 

89, 91, 95, 96, 98, 100, 101. 
Winship, Rich. H., 24. 
Wistar, Thomas, 26. 
Wollaston, Geo. W., 24. 
Wright, Daniel, 18, 19. 



Zane, A. V., 24. 
Zantzinger, Ernest, 24. 



bc 



5. 






.•- 






o 



^ x% 















* ^ 









■ ^ 



> 



•:■ 



^ 
«£ 






-o^ 



• ^ v 



**. < 



c 



.0' V 







V-- 






«\* 5 .. °^ * o » o0 A o- 



> 











,0 ,' 



<\ 






<-;. 



^ & ^ 



c 



vv 



A 



\\ ^ 



•:■■ 



c o « c ^ 



* 1 
o 



jPV 



V 



.'•■■ 



•■ 






^ 
^ 



«>* 



cr 









o- 



4 o 

o 



*°-v 



» o 



.;. v 



W 









■■> 






*bv* 



O'- 






,\'- : 









<\ 



V V 



























o 



^°v : . 


















<£ 






■ 









O 



•2* 



'•. 



W 









Vv^ 



v ^ 






<S> 



V V ^ 






4 o 

~0 






,v' 



r oK 



4? 






°^ 



A 



5>-* 




^ 















<0 V v> 






■ 

o V 



-7 






^ 



3" 



& 





















•V 






c 



•-:■ 



<j> . 






,0^ 












y^ 












v 




















DOBBS BROS. 

LIBRARY BINDING 









': 



,0° ^ * 



o 






°* 



^ 

vP 






I 









AUG b9 

ST. AUGUSTINE 
^^FLA. 









<u 



^o 



^^ 



